Vipers vs Al-Haras Al-Jumhuri

Vipers needed barely 15 minutes to break the deadlock. Miya, who rejoined the club days before the tournament, stepped up to a free kick and curled it past the Garde Republicaine wall and goalkeeper to make it 1-0 in the 15th minute.

The Ugandan side continued to dominate possession and created several chances before Miya struck again in the 38th minute. His second goal — this time from open play — doubled the lead and left the Djiboutian side facing a steep uphill battle.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Abdu Karim Watambala made it 3-0, tapping in from close range in the 45th+3 minute to cap a devastating first-half display.

After the interval, Garde Republicaine adjusted their shape and began creating opportunities in front of the Vipers goal, but the Ugandan defence — marshalled by Kevin Dasylva Bady and Nicholas Mwere — held firm to preserve a clean sheet.

Miya's 15th-minute free kick gave Vipers the early breakthrough they needed against a side that had set up to defend deep. Once the first goal went in, Garde Republicaine were forced to open up, and Miya's second before the break effectively killed the contest. The match was decided inside the first half — Vipers' three-goal burst between the 15th and 45th minutes left no route back.

Farouk Miya — the Player of the Match. Two goals (15', 38'), including a well-struck free kick that set the tone. The former Uganda Cranes international, freshly re-signed by Vipers, showed exactly why the club brought him back, offering composure and quality in the final third.

Abdu Karim Watambala — scored the third goal in stoppage time, demonstrating sharp positioning to convert from close range. His movement caused problems for the Garde Republicaine backline throughout.

Kevin Dasylva Bady and Nicholas Mwere — the central defensive pairing kept a clean sheet against a side that improved after the break, repelling late pressure with disciplined positioning.

Vipers scored all three goals before half-time, reflecting a first-half dominance that the scoreline accurately captures. Garde Republicaine's second-half improvement — noted in the CECAFA match report — shows a side that adjusted after the break but lacked the quality to convert possession into clear chances. The clean sheet was a solid foundation for the group stage ahead.

Vipers sit second in Group A on three goals, behind Gor Mahia FC who defeated hosts APR FC 5-0 in the evening's other Group A match. Both teams have three points, with Gor Mahia leading on goal difference. Only the three group winners and the best second-placed team advance to the semi-finals.

Vipers' next fixture is against Gor Mahia FC — a decisive match that could determine who tops Group A. Garde Republicaine face APR FC next, needing a result to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.

A professional, efficient start from Vipers. Miya's quality was the difference, but the defensive solidity and quick-kill mentality in the first half were just as encouraging. The real test comes against Gor Mahia, but this was exactly the kind of opening performance a title contender needs.