Vipers - KCCA Buildup: Vipers in vengeance mood ahead of clash with their first-round punisher

Karisa (m) won it foe Vipers last season|SPORTS LENS IMAGE

Vipers - KCCA Buildup: Vipers in vengeance mood ahead of clash with their first-round punisher

Allan Damba • 17:24 - 14.03.2024

The Venoms, who lost 3-1 in the first half of the campaign to the Kasasiro Boys are expected to retaliate in front of their fans.

Reigning Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC are breathing revenge as they play host to nemesis KCCA FC in the Uganda Premier League under the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende floodlights on Friday.

The Venoms, who lost 3-1 in the first half of the campaign to the Kasasiro Boys are expected to retaliate in front of their fans.

KCCA's Saidi Mayanja (in yellow) vying for the ball with Vipers' Martin Kizza|KCCA FC Image

"It’s a big, big game, we need the three points and revenge as well, especially at home," Vipers deputy captain Ashraf Mandela was quoted by the club media.

The two will renew acquaintances with the Venoms chasing a third successive title, while KCCA are aiming at ascending further up on the table.

"We have to continue the run and keep tabs on those ahead of us at the moment. I’m really looking forward to playing this game," Mandela noted.

Vipers sit fourth on the log with 35 points, eight behind leaders Kitara FC, who have played three games more.

On the other hand, KCCA are 10th on the 16-team table with 26 points in 20 games played.

“It will be a very, very tough game. It will be a very intense game but, for me, we have to be us - to be exactly how we want to play," said Mandela.

"We have to be focused 100 per cent, we want to win and we will go for it. This is our mentality.”

Vipers lost 3-1 in the first round when they visited the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo courtesy of Muhammad Shaban's brace and one from Usama Arafat.  Abubakar Lawal netted their consolation.

KCCA FC, Vipers to learn CAF interclub opponents on Tuesday
Former KCCA FC forward Mato Rogers (right) takes on Vipers' Ashraf Mandela (left).

However, Shaban and Arafat are ruled out due to suspension and national team engagements, respectively.

Vipers and KCCA will be meeting for the 38th time in the league history, and the former hold the majority of victories.

Tomorrow's hosts have accumulated 15 wins in this fixture, and managed nine draws, while KCCA have netted 13 wins.