By Precious Bwale
Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa has insisted that his side’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League hopes remain firmly alive after a vital away victory over Nigeria’s Rivers United breathed new life into their Group A campaign.
The Kitwe giants claimed a priceless 1-0 win in Uyo on Matchday Four, with Kondwani Chiboni’s composed finish from a tight angle early in the second half proving decisive and delivering Dynamos their first victory of the group stage.
The result lifted the Aba Yellow to four points and reignited belief back home in Zambia that progression to the quarter-finals is still within reach.
Speaking after the match, Mutapa struck a defiant and characteristically optimistic tone, urging his players and supporters to keep faith as the group stage enters its decisive phase.
“Impossible is nothing. We still have two games to play, which is six points,” Mutapa said.
“As I have always said, in football you can never rule out anything. We just have to stay positive. We play at home, get the three points, and then see how it goes in the last game.”
Dynamos’ victory was built on discipline, patience and moments of quality. After a measured first half, the Zambian champions struck in the 50th minute when Chiboni punished a lapse in the Rivers United defence, calmly guiding the ball home to silence the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Mutapa admitted his side had to dig deep, particularly late on, as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but we were prepared to fight for victory,” he added.
“We controlled the game when we had the ball, but the last 15 minutes were more difficult. We are happy with the result.”
The Dynamos coach also reflected on the missed opportunity in the reverse fixture in Kitwe, where a home win would have placed his side in an even stronger position in the group.
He described the Uyo success as “a very important victory” but stressed that improvement in front of goal remains a key area of focus.
“We need to fight for more points as we face the remaining opponents. In football, you can’t rule out anything,” Mutapa said.
Power Dynamos now turn their attention to a crucial home clash against Morocco’s RS Berkane at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, February 7. Berkane arrive in Zambia licking their wounds after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, while Dynamos will be buoyed by the momentum gained in Nigeria.
At the top of Group A, reigning champions Pyramids FC remain in control with 10 points, three clear of Berkane on seven. Dynamos sit third on four points, with Rivers United rooted to the bottom on one.
With two matches remaining and belief growing in the camp, Mutapa and his players know that the path ahead is difficult — but, as the coach insists, far from impossible.
far from impossible