Vipers and KCCA plan for CAF ties

CAF Champions League first round

Tomorrow
First leg
CS Constantine v Vipers
CAF Confederation Cup
Saturday
KCCA v Mtibwa Sugar

New level, new puzzle. Vipers, on the verge of their maiden appearance in the CAF Champions' League group stage, sit the unavoidable North African test destined for Ugandan clubs chasing continental success.

Vipers travelled Wednesday to Algiers to take on reigning Algerian champions CS Constantine tomorrow in a probably decisive first leg of the first round tie.

Vipers have never been this far and in their previous two continental excursions, their elimination was the result of a poor away result.

The Venoms have the advantage of playing the second leg at home but they cannot afford to dig themselves a hole.

Constantine will certainly show up with a grader but Martinez Espinoza's side must hold forte or preferably get on the score sheet.

To bank on a special return leg performance is a risky plan with little reference from Vipers previous home game clash with Sudan's El Merriekh. The Ugandan champions eked out a 1-0 win on an afternoon that largely had their fans' hearts in mouths.

It does not help that Vipers will play without Captain Taddeo Lwanga and Geoffrey Wasswa, who are suspended for this game after running up their yellow card credit.

In other words, Vipers need their best performances of the season now but they are not short of motivation as qualification to the group stages guarantees a minimum of over sh2bn.

Local rivals KCCA host Mtimbwa Sugar in the first leg of their CAF Confederations first round tie in a comparatively easier test.

KCCA have enjoyed relative continental success over the last two seasons and they will be favourites against their Tanzanian opponents.