Vipers SC bowed out of the CAF Champions League at the first preliminary-round stage after being held to a goalless draw by FC Nouadhibou at Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya on Sunday evening.
The result left the tie level at 1–1 on aggregate, with Nouadhibou progressing on the away-goals rule to end Vipers’ continental campaign at the first hurdle.
The Venoms created enough opportunities to alter the outcome but lacked the cutting edge required to breach a disciplined Mauritanian defence.
Vipers made an assertive start, earning a promising free-kick in the 10th minute after Farouk Miya was brought down just outside the box.
Miya took responsibility for the set-piece but could not find a way through the defensive wall.
Usama Arafat and Karim Watambala then combined to push Vipers higher up the pitch, although their efforts produced little in terms of clear chances.
Watambala came closest in the 35th minute when he unleashed a well-struck effort that narrowly missed the target, before Usama saw another promising opportunity blocked by the resolute Nouadhibou backline three minutes before half-time.
Vipers increased the pressure after the restart as they searched for the goal that would have swung the tie in their favour.
Their best chance came with five minutes remaining.
Watambala slipped a pass into the path of Yunus Sentamu, who showed composure to beat his marker before sending his effort inches over the crossbar.
The Ugandan champions made one final attempt to find a breakthrough in stoppage time, with captain Milton Karisa setting up Ceasor Manzoki.
However, the striker lost his footing at the decisive moment, effectively bringing Vipers’ hopes of a comeback to an end.
Nouadhibou held on to secure their place in the next round, while Vipers now turn their attention to domestic competition, with the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup remaining on their calendar.
