Friday, February 10| 10 pm (EAT)
Raja Casablanca v Vipers SC, Complexe Mohammed V, Morocco
Uganda’s respective at this year’s CAF Champions League, Vipers Sports Club, want to start off well when playing Raja Casablanca tonight in Morocco.
Vipers, who are making their debut appearance in the Caf Champions League group stage, are dreaming of a strong start to one of the most important phases in the club’s history.
The Venoms face Morocco’s Raja Casablanca on Friday in the group C opener at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. Guinea’s Horoya and Simba of Tanzania are the other teams in the group.
In a two-legged match that included a tense post-game penalty shootout, Vipers SC defeated five-time champions TP Mazembe to advance.
Beto Bianchi believes that his team is focused.
“I think in the opposite way, my players are well. It is an award for us in this game. This is a very important stage in the CAF Champions League, and we are all conscious and conscientious about this,” he said.
The Venoms captain Milton Karisa claims that the pressure is on the home side.
“The pressure is on them because they don’t know us, but we know them. So, l don’t think we are under any kind of pressure. We are ready for tomorrow. Of course, it’s our debut game in the group stages, but we aren’t under any pressure. We just can’t wait for the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vipers have a slight advantage in that the stadium in Casablanca will be empty following the fan violence ban.
VIPERS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Alfred Mudekereza, Fabien Mutombora.
Defenders: Murushid Juuko, Livingstone Mulondo, Dissan Galiwango, Hilary Mukundane, Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela.
Midfielders: Abdu Lumala, Bright Anukani, Siraje Sentamu, Olivier Osomba, Robert Serge Mwenge, Abdu Karim Watambala.
Forwards: Martin Kizza, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Israel Desire Tety.