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The Vipers’ hope for another continental journey was dashed on Friday afternoon in Ndola, Zambia, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Power Dynamos – exiting the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate score.

Only 90 minutes separated the Ugandan champions from a valuable group stage position worth $700,000 (Shs2.4bn), yet the Venoms faltered at the crucial moment.

Having lost 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium five days prior, Vipers required a strong showing in the second match. However, they displayed hesitation and unclear tactics, drawing intense criticism towards both the players and their Belgian coach, Ivan Jacky Minnaert.

Four official games into his time at Kitende, the manager is already facing scrutiny. His ability to lead the Venoms to the level desired by club president Lawrence Mulindwa is now being closely evaluated.

Feet of clay

On the continental stage, where Vipers’ key players—Allan Okello, Milton Karisa, and Yunus Sentamu—were anticipated to perform, they instead showed hesitation.

Equally underwhelming were the club’s seven new additions, such as Usama Arafat, Kane Hney, Odili Chukwuma, Mark Yallah, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Taddeo Lwanga, Ashraf Mandela, and Enock Ssebagala, who failed to meet expectations.

Only Bady, who missed the Friday return match, has made a significant impact across the four Caf games, prompting supporters to doubt the club’s aggressive transfer approach.

Lukewarm preps

The Belgian coach encountered real challenges in his Caf preparations. Several important players — Okello, Karim Watambala (who scored the equalizer in Ndola), Ssebagala, Torach, and Mukundane — were with the Uganda Cranes, while Vipers’ refusal to participate in league matches deprived them of crucial match practice.

However, considering the team’s supposed strength, the excuse sounds weak. “We are disappointed. We tried, but it didn’t work – that’s what happened in both games,” Minnaert said after the match, his frustration clear as the reality of another early continental elimination set in.

Meanwhile, Power Dynamos appeared more determined, focused, and well-coordinated. Coach Osward Mutapa implemented his strategy accurately, neutralizing Vipers’ offensive dangers both at home and on the road.

“It was crucial for us to qualify and present the country with the 61st birthday gift,” Mutapa said happily after the final whistle.

Moses Shumah, the Kenyan forward who scored in both matches, was unstoppable, testing Vipers’ uncertain defense with speed and calmness that the Ugandans failed to manage.

Wake up call

For Minnaert, the challenge that lies ahead is formidable. He needs to quickly tackle both tactical and mental weaknesses if the Venoms are to regain their former strength.

The goalkeeper position is still undecided, as the coach is caught between rookie Denis Kiggundu and the seasoned Congolese player Alfred Mudekereza, who has been moved to the substitute bench.

At the centre-back position, there needs to be clarity regarding the partnership between Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, and Kevin Dasylva Bady, while the midfield requires a total transformation to bring back equilibrium and imagination.

Minnaert will need to rely significantly on deputies John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, following the strategy that previously enabled Okello to score 20 goals while securing a domestic double.

More importantly, he needs to take charge of a dressing room filled with egos and sophisticated individuals. Not managing this has mainly led to numerous managerial losses at Kitende.

With the Caf dream no longer alive, the focus now moves to domestic competition. As Vipers get ready to start their Uganda Premier League season, Minnaert has been given clear instructions to develop a distinct playing style, a strong fighting spirit, and team unity.

Anything less might provoke the anger of Mulindwa, who has never been tolerant of average performance. For Minnaert, the initial period of favor is officially over – and the true challenge has just started.

Caf Champions League

Second Preliminary Round

Power Dynamos (2) 1-1 (1) Vipers