CAF Champions League

Today 

At 7 pm

Simba v Vipers

March 18

Vipers v Raja Casablanca

March 31

Horoya v Vipers

Vipers' chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League group stages are not so great but their confidence is high.

Coach Beto Bianchi believes that could be the key out of their CAF Champions League prison as they take on Simba in their return leg encounter today at Benjamin Mpaka stadium at Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania.

The Venoms are winless in their last three continental group stage games with the best result being a goalless draw against Horoya Athletic club from Guinea Conakry at Kitende

In these continental engagements plus local encounters, Vipers have shown a need for a reliable striker after going six consecutive games in all competitions without scoring a goal.

However, Bianchi has remained confident that the scoring crisis has been dealt with.

"The confidence of the players is high and they believe they can pick up a result away from home. In the games we played, we only failed to score yet we create a lot of chances. The mood and belief in the camp give me some hope," stated Bianchi.

However, as Vipers seek a positive result in Dar-es-Salaam they will not be with captain Milton Karisa, defenders Murushid Juuko, midfielders Bright Anukani, Marvin Joseph Youngman, and left-back Dissan Galiwango.

Karisa who travelled with the team to morale boost his teammates, suffered a hamstring injury, while Anukani is recovering from malaria and Juuko is still nursing an ankle injury.

Nigerian forward Abubakar Lawal and youngster Enock Luyima were included in the 20-man squad to Dar es Salaam.

Vipers who are bottom in Group C with one point, have not had a good debut in the CAF Champions League group stages. Moroccan reigning champions Raja Casablanca top the group with nine points, five and six points above second and third-placed Horoya Athletic club from Guinea-Conakry and Tanzania giants Simba.

Simba tactician Roberto Oliveira feels the home advantage will give them an edge over their rivals.