In a weekend filled with intense CAF Champions League action, Uganda’s Vipers SC suffered a setback at home, losing 2-1 to Zambian side Power Dynamos FC at the St. Marys Stadium in Kitende. This defeat puts the Ugandan champions on the back foot ahead of the crucial return leg away in Zambia.
Vipers SC started brightly, with Yunus Ssentamu scoring an early second-half goal to give the hosts the lead. However, the visitors fought back through Kenyan forward Moses Shuma who equalized quickly. The match turned in favor of Power Dynamos when Vipers defender Derrick Ndahiro inadvertently scored an own goal, handing the Zambians a valuable advantage.
The loss for Vipers is a tough blow after their recent domestic success, where they clinched the 2024/2025 Uganda Premier League title, but they still have a chance to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian giants Simba SC are in a strong position after a commanding 3-0 away victory against Nsingizini Hotspurs FC of Eswatini. Wilson Nangu gave Simba SC a half-time lead, and Denis Kibu’s second-half brace sealed a comfortable win, setting Simba up nicely for the home return fixture.
Other CECAFA teams faced challenges as well. Tanzania’s Young Africans SC lost 1-0 away to Malawi’s Silver Strikers FC, leading to the termination of head coach Romain Folz’s contract due to poor results. Burundi’s reigning champions Aigle Noir suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat to African powerhouse Al Ahly, thanks to an own goal by defender Iragi Kanyamukenge.
Sudan’s Al Hilal also secured a vital 1-0 away win against Kenya Police FC, a crucial result that puts them in a favorable position for the return leg in Libya.
