Ivan Minnaert Cautions Vipers After Crucial Opener Win in CAF Champions League

Vipers Sports Club have taken a crucial step in their CAF Champions League journey, following their hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Namibia's African Stars in the first leg of their preliminary round tie.

The match, played at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, saw defender Hilary Mukundane score the lone goal early in the first half, giving the Ugandan league champions a slender advantage heading into the return leg.

Despite the win, Vipers coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert has been quick to caution his team, emphasising that the tie is far from over.

“We were well prepared and managed the second half well,” Minnaert said after the game, as quoted by Kawowo Sports.

“We even had chances to score (more). But 1-0 isn’t a big advantage and it’s all to play for next week in Kitende.”

Jacky Minnaert's remarks highlight the team's professional approach and his belief that a single-goal lead can be quickly overturned in continental competition.

He praised the team's preparation and overall performance, while also admitting they could have secured a more comfortable lead given the opportunities they created.

The win puts the Venoms in a strong position, as they now only need to avoid a loss in the second leg to advance to the next stage of the competition.

The return leg is set to be played at St. Mary's Stadium in Kitende, a venue where the Venoms have historically been very strong.

They will aim to capitalise on their home advantage and secure their place in the next round. The winner of this tie will face either Zambia's Power Dynamos or Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas, two teams that have a rich history in African club football.

Power Dynamos, a former winner of the CAF Cup Winners' Cup, and ASEC Mimosas, a CAF Champions League champion in 1998, both present a formidable challenge.

Vipers will need to be at their best if they are to progress further in the prestigious continental competition. The Vipers' fans, known for their passionate support, will be hoping the team can maintain their focus and secure their passage to the next round, where the stakes and the level of competition will be even higher.