Lavagne pulls no punches as Vipers face reality after painful APR defeat

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French Coach Delivers Honest Verdict After Kagame Cup Setback

French tactician Denis Lavagne did not mince his words after Vipers SC's 2-1 loss against APR FC in the final group game of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup. After a loss that knocked them out of the competition, Lavagne cut straight to the chase when discussing where the club sits before the start of the new season.

Although bitter about losing, he did not want his players or himself to make excuses after the final whistle. As they approach the new season, Kagame Cup football still serves as preparation for Vipers and should be looked at as a lesson going forward, not a panic button.

Bright Moments Overshadowed by Costly Mistakes

Despite the loss, Lavagne took note on the positive strides made by his team, especially during the first half, where he believes they were better than their Rwandan counterpart. However, this positivity was overshadowed by mistakes that cost them at the back and failure to finish moves forward when they mattered the most. His players opened the scoring after a bright start but conceded from a defensive mistake before missing several gilt-edged chances to turn the game on its head.

Second-Half Struggles Raise Questions

While the first half brought positivity from the French manager, the second half proved why there is work to be done before competitive matches kick off in Uganda. According to Ugandan football experts at Bettingtop10 Uganda, Boss Lavagne noted that his team couldn't get a grip of the game after half-time and were beaten in most challenges, while also struggling to create clear-cut chances.

This comes as no surprise considering the club went into the tournament with a completely different squad to what they began last season with. The loss hurt everyone associated with the club, but Lavagne was more concerned about the product his players left on the pitch rather than the result itself.

Premier League clubs go into the regional tournament looking to fine-tune their squads and work out where their weaknesses lie. Vipers are no different, but there is still a long way to go before the season starts.

Rotation Was Part of the Plan

Critics of Vipers SC may have jumped on Lavagne for his rotation policy as he made changes to his starting eleven in every game during the tournament. Lavagne explained that playing three games in six days during the pre-season period poses a high risk of injuries. He had to rotate his squad as they continue to build up match fitness before the start of the 20/27 UPL season. His job now is to ensure his players are ready come August rather than win a competition in July.

Eyes Already Turning Toward the New Season

If Vipers were to get past the group stages, Lavagne noted the club would use the rest of the month playing friendly games. This will serve as continued preparation for the start of the new season even if they are out of the competition. Vipers will open their season on 23 August playing Kitara FC in the FUFA Super Cup. An opportunity for the club to not only lift a trophy but avenge their Kagame Cup defeat at the hands of the KCCA Warriors.

Lavagne's Respect For APR's Captain

APR FC captain Djibril Ouattara starred in the game after scoring the winner and setting up another goal. Lavagne had this to say after the match:

"He is a very fast player. He showed quality with his movement and understanding of the game."

The coach wasn't distracted by the opponent, though, and was quick to shift focus to his own players.

Bigger Challenges Await the Venoms

Vipers SC has risen to the top over the last couple of seasons and will be expected to challenge for the Uganda Premier League title once again. The club will also be expected to represent Uganda in African football, and that makes preparation for the season so important.

While Vipers can benefit from playing competitive football in the Kagame Cup, it has also highlighted their weaknesses going into the season ahead. Lavagne did not sugarcoat his thoughts when speaking to the media. If his players continue to improve on their weaknesses, Vipers could go one step further than last season.