Milton Karisa urges Vipers to respond strongly against FC Nouadhibou in Sunday’s CAF Champions League return leg.
Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa has urged his teammates to recover from their first-leg disappointment and produce a disciplined performance against FC Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League return leg in Mauritania.
The Ugandan champions drew 1-1 at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, leaving the preliminary-round tie finely balanced before Sunday’s decisive meeting at Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Nouakchott.
Karisa believes Vipers can turn lessons from Kitende into a result that keeps their continental campaign alive.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Fixture | FC Nouadhibou vs Vipers SC |
| Competition | CAF Champions League preliminary round |
| Date | Sunday, 13 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 pm EAT |
| Venue | Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya, Nouakchott |
| First-leg score | Vipers 1-1 FC Nouadhibou |
Karisa Demands a Strong Response
Vipers took an early lead in the first leg through defender Hillary Mukundane but failed to protect their advantage. Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd equalised for Nouadhibou, denying the Venoms the home victory they had targeted.
Karisa acknowledged that mistakes proved costly but framed the Kitende match as valuable experience rather than a reason for the players to lose confidence.
“It is a learning moment for us. We have to pick ourselves up, remain motivated and focus on the return leg,” Karisa told Kawowo Sports. He added that Vipers understand the stakes and must believe they can secure a positive result in Nouakchott on Sunday.
The captain also urged his teammates to keep improving and remain motivated, arguing that their first encounter with the Mauritanian champions provided information they can use in the return.
His message is important because Vipers must balance ambition with control. Chasing an early goal recklessly could expose them, but a passive approach would allow Nouadhibou to dictate the contest on home soil.
What Vipers Must Improve
The Venoms must defend transitions more effectively and avoid the lapses that cost them at Kitende. Communication between the central defenders and midfield will be essential, particularly when Nouadhibou recover possession and attack through central areas.
Vipers also need greater composure in the final third. They created promising moments during the first leg but did not establish a decisive advantage. Better movement around the penalty area and quicker support for the leading striker could increase their attacking threat.
Set pieces may provide another opportunity. Mukundane’s first-leg goal demonstrated Vipers’ aerial quality, while players such as Cesar Manzoki and Yunus Sentamu can challenge defenders when deliveries reach dangerous areas.
Coach Denis Lavagne must also manage the occasion. Vipers have already settled in Mauritania after a long journey, but unfamiliar conditions, the artificial surface and the home crowd could test their concentration.
Players to Watch
Karisa will carry responsibility as both captain and attacking outlet. His pace, direct running and willingness to press can help Vipers move the team forward, while his leadership will be vital if the match becomes tense.
Farouk Miya provides experience and technical quality in midfield. His ability to retain possession, deliver set pieces and find passes behind the defence could determine whether the Venoms create enough clear opportunities.
Manzoki offers physical presence in attack, while Sentamu’s movement can stretch the Nouadhibou back line. Lavagne must decide how to use both forwards without leaving his midfield exposed.
Mukundane remains important at both ends. After scoring in Kitende, the defender must organise Vipers’ back line and deal with Nouadhibou’s attacking pressure.
Vipers Squad in Nouakchott
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeepers | Loyce Mbaba, Denis Kiggundu |
| Defenders | Hillary Mukundane, Kevin Dasyilva, Ashraf Mandela, Princewill Tarabina, Jacques Mangoba, Nicholas Mwere |
| Midfielders | Karim Watambala, Patrick Mbowa, Marvin Youngman, Joel Sserunjogi, Odili Chukwuma, Farouk Miya, Usama Arafat |
| Forwards | Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Gusto Mulongo, Cesar Manzoki |
The travelling squad gives Lavagne options across midfield and attack.
Prediction and Match Outlook
The 1-1 first-leg score makes this a difficult contest to predict. Nouadhibou have home advantage and greater familiarity with the conditions, while Vipers possess enough experience and attacking quality to remain competitive.
Vipers’ best route is a controlled performance built on defensive concentration and efficient set pieces. Nouadhibou may have more possession, but Vipers can threaten through Karisa, Miya, Manzoki and Sentamu.
Prediction: FC Nouadhibou 1-1 Vipers SC after 90 minutes. The tie could require a dramatic finish to determine which club advances.
Why the Match Matters in Uganda
Vipers carry Uganda’s hopes in Africa’s leading club competition. Progress would strengthen the club’s continental reputation, give local players exposure at a higher level and provide a timely lift for Ugandan football supporters.
Fans in Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara and across the country can follow the 8:00 pm EAT fixture without converting from Mauritanian or GMT listings.
Eligible supporters aged 25 and above can visit Bangbet Uganda to check available markets. Gambling involves financial risk and should remain entertainment, never income. Set firm limits, avoid essential money, and never chase losses. Read Bangbet Uganda’s responsible gambling guide or contact customer support when help is required.
Conclusion
Karisa’s call is direct: Vipers must learn, recover and believe. The first-leg draw means the assignment is difficult but manageable. A disciplined defence, sharper finishing and strong leadership could give the Venoms the positive result they need in Nouakchott.
