Vipers coach Lavagne gives honest assessment of team after APR defeat

Denis Lavagne remained optimistic despite his side, Vipers’ 2-1 defeat to APR in the final Group A game of the ongoing CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.

The loss, coupled with Gor Mahia’s win over Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine meant the Venoms relinquished top spot and are now on the mercy of results from groups B and C going their way in order to reach the semis.

Lavagne was not so much impressed with his team’s lack of control in the game especially in the second half.

“We had good and bad periods in the game. In the first half, we started well and finished well. But there is one time we play much at the back and made one mistake and gave the goal to the opponents.

“We scored one goal and missed one chance as well. We should maybe have scored more but our final ball was not good. I think we had a good first half,” he told the press after the game.

“But the second half was more difficult because we started it badly though we still had some good periods though we failed to win 1 v 1 duels and didn’t create good opportunities,” he added.

The French man, though not so hopeful as he waits for matches in the remaining group to know Vipers’ fate says the team will organize more friendly matches if they get eliminated in order to prepare for the new season which officially starts on August 23 with a Fufa Super Cup against nemesis Kitara.

“We will see. We have to wait for results from tomorrow’s games and after. If we don’t go through, we shall prepare some friendly games since we are not in Super 8 but also, we don’t have to play so many games.”

The former Coton Sport Garua coach also defended his team selection over the past three games in which he had to make changes in his starting XI saying it is not ideal to play three games in six days.

“When you are in pre-season, you don’t play three games in six days. It is too much for the players and that is why I must make many changes per game so that players don’t get injured.”

Meanwhile, Lavagne also had special praise for APR captain Djibril Outtara who scored and assisted in the game.

“The number 10 is a very good striker. Good pace and thinks fast but I always concentrate on my team and not opponents often.”

In case Vipers got eliminated, they will miss out on emulating SC Villa, KCCA, Express and Police who have previously won the Kagame Cup from Uganda.

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