Vipers SC head coach Denis Lavagne expressed mixed feelings following his side’s 3-0 comfortable victory over Ntugasaze FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.
While welcoming the win and the crucial morale boost for his forward line, the French tactician insisted his team must raise their game to meet expectations.
Speaking during the post-match conference, Lavagne noted the psychological value of the outcome, particularly for his attacking unit, while maintaining that the Venoms still have plenty of room for improvement.
“I am happy for the victory. It’s good for the confidence of the players, but it’s also important for offensive players to score goals. I expected more from the team given the kind of opponent, but it’s okay. We shall keep trying to improve.”
The lower-tier opponents put up a resolute defensive display during the opening 45 minutes, frustrating Vipers and limiting their threat in the final third.
However, Lavagne introduced key tactical shifts after the break to exploit space as fatigue set in for Ntugasaze.
“In the first half, our opponent worked hard to limit us, and in the second half, they were tired,” Lavagne explained. “We got more space, and it helped us play better. I think the changes improved the team and created more danger for the opponent.”
The tactical substitutions paid dividends, swinging momentum decisively in favour of the Venoms, who exploited the spaces to net three unanswered second-half goals.
Despite registering a clean sheet and three goals on the scoreboard, Lavagne refused to be carried away by the scoreline.
The gaffer highlighted the importance of game management and clinical execution as Vipers progress through their campaign.
“The whole team looked decent, but we still have to improve,” Lavagne added. “Despite the win, we need to keep working because there is a lot to improve on. We need to take away chances and be in full command of the game.”
Vipers now return to training to refine their setups ahead of their next fixture, with Lavagne expecting his squad to build on their second-half performance and deliver a more dominant display.
