Vipers thrashed mercilessly in first CAF Champions League game
February 11, 2023
Uganda Premier League champions and the country’s only representative in this season’s CAF Champions League ,Vipers were beaten mercilessly by Raja Casablanca in the first game.
The Venoms were beaten 5-0 at the Complexe Mohammed V stadium.
Bianchi fielded his strongest lineup with hopes of surprising the hosts.
Raja proved that the evening was going to be difficult for the Venoms after finding the net just after 4 minutes.
A ball in from the right and a deflection off Hamza Khabba’s header helped the ball past goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza into the net.
Six minutes later, goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza spilled the ball into the path of Jamal Harkass.
And he did not mistake as he doubled the advantage for Raja Casablanca.
Martin Kiiza in the 34th minute saw a brilliant free kick saved by Raja’s goalie, Anas Znit.
Vipers weren’t yet ready for what was hitting them before
Mohamed Azrida scored the third in the 37th minute.
The first half ended with the UPL champions in a huge goal deficit.
Bianchi made a triple substitution by bringing on Siraje Ssentamu, Desire Tetty and Oliver Osomba.
He had to sacrifice
Abdu Lumala, Karim Watambala and Ashraf Mandela.
Vipers appealed for a handball in the 50th minute after Tetty’s cross hit the arm of a Raja defender but the ref saw nothing in it.
The party wasn’t over meanwhile for the hosts as Yousri got them a third in the 59th minute.
Bianchi made another substitution with Ibrahim Orit coming on for Siraje Ssentamu in the 65th minute.
Raja who had no fans in the stadium due to a CAF ban grabbed a 5th and final one in the 71st minute.
The Kitende based side made their final substitution in rhe 79th minute with Bright Anukani coming on for Livingston Mulondo.
There was however nothing these substitutions could do to impact the game which has already spiraled out of control for Vipers.
Simba SC will be taking on Guinean side Horoya in the other Group C game today.
Vipers will now turn their attention to the Uganda Cup Round of 32 as they visit Jinja North United on Monday 13th.