Preview: Vipers vs African Stars – Venoms aim to complete job | CAF CL

Saturday September 27, 2025

• St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende 7pm [Vipers won 1-0 in the first leg]

Vipers and African Stars of Namibia square off on Saturday night in the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League with the hosts leading 1-0 from the first leg last weekend.

Hilary Mukundane early goal settled the contest at the Athlone stadium in Cape Town and now the hosts need to avoid defeat at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende to advance to the next round.

Despite the lead, Vipers’ coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert is aware the tie is far from far but wants the fans to push the team through.

“I expect a full house and a vibrant atmosphere, as we expect to push African Stars back,” he told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday.

His opposite number Bob Mafoso remains confident of overturning the deficit basing on his side’s performance from the first leg.

“The result from the first leg is not the true reflection of what transpired from the first leg. There were no chances created. In fact, Vipers got that half chance and utilized it. They played for only 17 or 20 minutes in the game” said Mafoso.

“I am happy with the squad we have. Only now the tactical side is left as we get closer to the game. We need to take the game to them (Vipers),” he added.

Team News

Both coaches have revealed a clean bill of health from their sides with Minnaert stating that only Usama Arafat is missing since he was not licensed for the round.

Power Dynamos or ASEC Mimosas lurking

Should either of Vipers or African Stars go through, Zambia’s Power Dynamos or Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas will be the next opponent in the first round.

The two giants face off in the second leg in Abidjan with the Zambians leading 1-0 from the first leg.  

Vipers’ Probable XI

Kiggundu (GK), Mandela, Luyima, Dasylva, Mukundane, Lwanga, Watambala, Ssebagala, Okello, Karisa ©, Yunus.