Bottom of Group A but still in contention, Dynamos know victory in Nigeria is key to keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Abayellow have stepped up preparations for their must-win CAF Champions League Group A encounter against Rivers United, holding their first training session in Nigeria at the URUAN Grounds in Uyo on Thursday.
The Zambian champions arrived in Nigeria knowing that anything less than victory on Sunday would severely dent their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage. Dynamos are currently rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point and are yet to score in the competition, following a tense goalless draw against Rivers United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium over the weekend.
Despite their difficult position, the group remains delicately poised. Victory away to Rivers United would lift Power Dynamos to four points and third place, keeping alive a mathematical chance of reaching the knockout rounds with two matches still to play.
At the top of the group, RS Berkane and Pyramids FC are locked on seven points apiece after cancelling each other out in a goalless draw in Morocco last weekend. That result has left little margin for error for the Kitwe giants, who must now find both goals and results on the road.
Full Squad Named as Mutapa Searches for Spark
Head coach Oswald Mutapa named a strong travelling squad for the weekend’s showdown.
Goalkeepers Willard Mwanza and Josephat Lilanda will compete for the starting role, while the defensive options include Jackson Mulambia, Kondwani Chiboni, Dominic Chanda, John Soko, Aaron Katebe and Samuel Bamidele.
The midfield department is heavily stocked, with Linos Makwaza Jr, Owen Tembo, Prince Mumba, Daniel Adoko, Salulani Phiri, Fredrick Mulambia, Chifundo Mphasi, Ronel Manyanga, Brian Masanyinga, Austin Muwowo, Innocent Kashita and Jericho Mwila all available for selection.
Up front, Power Dynamos will be banking on Titus Chansa, Kapembwa Musonda, Ismael Ankobo and Moses Shumah to finally ignite their attacking play and end their goal drought in the group stage.
Mulenga Omission Raises Eyebrows
One notable absentee from the travelling party is goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga, who was an unused substitute in the draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. The club has not provided an official explanation for his omission, sparking quiet speculation ahead of the decisive fixture.
All to Play for in Uyo
Sunday’s encounter in Uyo represents a defining moment for Power Dynamos’ continental campaign. With their backs against the wall, Mutapa’s side must show greater cutting edge in the final third and defensive resilience away from home if they are to revive their Champions League ambitions.
For Rivers United, the match offers a chance to consolidate their position in the group, but for Power Dynamos, it is nothing short of a season-defining test.
