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To put their current struggles in front of goal into context, Vipers has scored only twice in their last six games in all competitions, three of those games have been under Bianchi’s watch.
Beto Bianchi said Vipers has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about ahead of their second CAF Champions League group game, but exhorts that his side ‘can do better’ in attack.
A goalless draw against third division side Jinja North – before Vipers progressed via penalties – in the Uganda Cup on Wednesday was the third successive game without a goal for the Venoms under the Brazillian.
To put their current struggles infront of goal into context, Vipers has scored only twice in their last six games in all competitions, three of those games have been under Bianchi’s watch.
They were thoroughly outclassed by Raja Casablanca 5-0 in the CAF Champions League last Friday, registering only one shot on target in the game as well.
The underwhelming goalless draws against lower division opposition in the Uganda Cup, have highlighted the attacking shortcomings that Bianchi will be working hard to put right when they face AC Horoya in their second Champions League group game at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
“We have taken note of that, but are not so much concerned about it being a problem at the moment,” Bianchi told Sports Pearl.
“But we cannot let the weight of not scoring worry us, because for example in the Uganda Cup games, the pitches have been a problem, affecting the quality of chances we create in games.”
“And it is evident, not only us have been affected by the nature of the surface, but our opponents as well are affected,” he added.
“If you ask me, during the game against Raja, it was almost over by half time, and at that stage your worried of how bad the result can get and you focus your energy on trying to stop that.”
“So, we did not have the chance to try and affect the game given how fast it turned against us.”
“However, we can do better and have been working on that, and tomorrow we expect to see something change, and we can look forward to the game with optimism that we shall get it right,” he stated.
Vipers allowed striker Cromwell Rwothomio to leave during the January transfer window, and although they added Martin Kizza, Ahmed Desire Tety and AbdulKarim Nduggwa, they still look lightweight in attack.
Bianchi has altered between his options in attack as he tries to find the perfect balance upfront. Milton Karisa, Martin Kizza and Abdul Lumala started against Raja, while Yunus Ssentamu and Nduggwa started alongside Karisa against Jinja North on Wednesday.
In his first game, the Brazilian used Lumala, Orit and Tety in a front three, and it remains to be seen what his options for attack against Horoya will be on Saturday.
The St. Mary’s Stadium encounter will be the first ever meeting between the two sides in history, and carries significant advantage for either in their quest for reaching the quarter finals.
While Vipers chase victory to replenish hope of progress from the group, victory for Horoya on the other hand provides them a chance to build on their strong start that saw them defeat Tanzania’s Simba SC.
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