Vipers SC face Lavagne scrutiny after Nouadhibou exit

Vipers SC were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Mauritanian champions FC Nouadhibou on Sunday after a goalless draw at Stade de Nouadhibou saw the tie finish 1-1 on aggregate with the away-goals rule applied.

The Venoms had been held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at St Mary's Stadium-Kitende before Nouadhibou defended resolutely in the return leg to progress.

Coach Denis Lavagne arrived at Kitende with a clear assignment to guide the Ugandan champions beyond the preliminary rounds and towards the group stage.

Instead his continental campaign has ended at the first hurdle and his future is likely to come under scrutiny from the Vipers hierarchy.

The club invested heavily in assembling a squad capable of competing on the continent and patience could be tested if domestic results do not immediately match expectations.

Lavagne may now have to shift his attention entirely to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League where winning the domestic title could become the clearest route back to continental football next season.

The setback adds to concerns raised during Vipers' recent continental outings including failure to progress from the CECAFA Kagame Cup group stages in Kigali.

Meanwhile Uganda's other continental representative Kitara FC provided a contrasting story with a 2-0 win over Mogadishu City Club at Hoima City stadium on Saturday.

Kalema opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Zaga sealed victory with a spectacular volley in the 62nd minute as Kitara completed a 4-1 aggregate win.

Kitara now face record African champions Al Ahly in the second preliminary round with the first leg scheduled for October 16 to 18.