Vipers will have a last shot at the Caf Champions League quarter finals when they face Tanzania’s Simba in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
The two sides lock horns at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium desperate for maximum points.
Simba, third on the table with three points got from the reverse fixture in Kitende are aware that victory could see them take over AC Horoya of Guinea in second place.
The Guineans take on Group C leaders Raja Casablanca in Conakry and are just one point ahead of the Msimbazi.
Speaking to the press, Siraje Sentamu who will skipper the side in the absence of injured Milton Karisa sounded confident.
“This is a very important game for us because if we win, we give ourselves a chance to fight for on for a place in the last eight,” he said.
And the midfielder also has belief in available players despite a few injuries in the squad to Karisa, Bright Anukani and Murushid Jjuuko.
“We shall miss the other three but the ones to replace them are also good.”
Simba right back Shomari Kapombe also expressed from readiness from the hosts.
“It will be a tough game but we are motivated and ready to fight and win,” he stated.
A defeat to Vipers will all but end any hopes of playing in the quarter finals of the competition on their maiden time to play in the group stages.
Lumala Abdu, Nigerian Abubaker Lawal and Ivorian Ahmed Desire Tety will be vital up front for the Venoms with Livingstone Mulondo and Hilary Mukundane manning things at the back.
They will be wary of the threat posed by a potent Simba attack led by Moses Phiri and the Brazilian coach Roberto Oliviera could offer opportunity to experienced John Bocco and Pape Ousmane Sakho to play after they were unused in the first leg.
Tuesday Fixtures
- Simba vs Vipers 7pm
- AC Horoya vs Raja Casablanca 7pm
- Al Hilal Omdurman vs Coton Sport 4pm
- CR Belouizdad vs Al Merriekh 10pm
- Zamalek vs Esperance 10pm