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WE ARE VENOMS: MINNAERT'S DEFIANT RALLYING CRY AHEAD OF ZAMBIA COMEBACK MISSION

Vipers SC face a tough Caf Champions League task after a 2-1 home loss to Power Dynamos. They must win 2-0 or better in the Zambia return leg to keep their group stage hopes alive.

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Can Vipers' Bite Overpower the Dynamos' Mission? - COURTESY/PHOTO

With their chances of surviving the Caf Champions League hanging in the balance following a 2-1 home loss to Power Dynamos, Vipers SC will have to contend with a difficult second leg.

Vipers SC was left gazing at a precipice as Power Dynamos slithered away with a 2-1 victory, despite the defiant atmosphere in Kitende. 

Derrick Ndahiro's merciless own goal gave the Zambians a narrow but decisive lead in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League. 

The Venoms have a daunting task ahead of them as they get ready for Friday's return leg in Kitwe: a 2-0 victory or better to advance to the group stages.

St. Mary's Stadium in Kitende was momentarily enlivened by Yunus Sentamu's early second-half goal. 

Hope was briefly raised in the stands by the Vipers' resistance to Fufa's recently revoked league reforms. 

However, Ndahiro's crucial deflection and Moses Sumah's quick response put out the fire, forcing the home team to futilely pursue the match.

Everything to play for


Despite the setback, Vipers' Belgian tactician Jacky Ivan Minnaert exudes faith. 

He proclaimed, "We are Venoms, we are Vipers," with the obstinate confidence that inspires comebacks. 

"We think that nothing is done 200 per cent of the time. The fact that we still have ninety minutes to play is a plus for us going forward.

Despite pressing hard even in the final moments of the match and chasing an equaliser that never materialised, Minnaert maintains that his team demonstrated no lack of fitness. 

He cites their 1-0 victory over Namibia's African Stars as evidence that the Venoms can win away from home.

Defiant Dynamo


But Power Dynamos are more than just prey. Coach Osward Mukuka Mutupa talked about a "mission" accomplished in Uganda and his team's unwavering determination in spite of their deficit. 

He declared, "We could have won, lost, or drawn, but we won." Ndahiro's own goal and Sumah's clinical finish were rewards for their perseverance, but Mutupa is aware that the tie is still up for grabs. 

Knowing that Kitwe may still be stung by Vipers' venom, he warned, "This is not the end of the game. It is only halftime, but we are a team on a mission." 

Though enormous, the Venoms' quest is not insurmountable. They need to capitalise on the energy that brought supporters and onlookers together in their struggle against Fufa's divisive changes. 

They will require more than just heart in Zambia; their fate will be determined by accuracy, bravery, and a dash of ruthlessness. Vipers have to retaliate or try again the following year.

UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS

The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

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Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO

In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.

The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.

James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.

But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.

Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.

Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.

After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.

Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.

"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.

It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.

At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.

Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.

LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1

JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.

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Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO

The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.

At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.

Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.

The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.

Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.

The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.

As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.

The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.

Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.

The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).

However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).

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