Simba SC of Tanzania defeated Uganda’s Vipers SC 1-0 in their CAF Champions League Group C match on Saturday night at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
It was Vipers’ first-ever night match under floodlights at their home ground, and they were hoping to secure their first win in the competition.
In the first half, Vipers dominated the game, but they lacked a clinical finisher in the final third. Simba, on the other hand, took their chances and scored the match’s only goal in the 19th minute through an unmarked Henock Inonga with a header in the top left corner.
Simba had a chance to extend their lead to 2-0 just before halftime, but they failed to convert from a blind pass by Hillary Mukundane.
In the second half, Vipers made a double substitution, bringing on Martin Kiiza and Serge Mwenge for Abdul Lumala and Karim Watambala, but they were unable to break down Simba’s defense.
Vipers had several chances to score, but they were unlucky as Yunus Sentamu missed two open chances on goal. Simba, meanwhile, held on to their lead and secured all three points.
The game was not without its drama, as Simba was booked twice. Kibu Denis Prosper was booked for a neck tackle on Martin Kiiza, while Henock Inonga was also cautioned for a cynical tackle on Yunus Sentamu.
Vipers’ captain Milton Kariisa picked up an injury near the end of the first half, and he was replaced by Ibrahim Orit.
The result leaves Vipers bottom of Group C with one point in the CAF Champions League, while Simba moves up to third place with three points after two losses to Raja Casablanca and Horoya AC.
The match was attended by a capacity crowd at St Mary’s Stadium, with fans from both teams showing their support.
Simba’s supporters had to travel approximately 760 miles by road from Dodoma to Kampala to watch their team play.
