By Precious Bwale
Power Dynamos came out victorious at Arthur Davies Stadium on Wednesday against ZESCO United in an electric derby as Shuma’s 9th-minute strike proved to be the difference in a tense and tactical battle.
Power had a great chance to double the lead later in the first half, but Shuma’s penalty was brilliantly denied by the ZESCO United goalkeeper Philip Sakauta.
It was an exciting and nerve-wracking encounter, especially in the second half, as Zesco pressed relentlessly to try and find an equaliser.
Reflecting on the game, Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa admitted his side could have done better in front of goal as they missed several chances.
“It was a tough game, we knew it was going to be tough, but I’m worried about the scoring ratio. We had chances to bury the game in the first half but we couldn’t utilise them,” Mutapa told the ZamFoot Crew.
“The second half was 60/40 in favour of Zesco, but I think we held on, we kept our guts and tried to play on the counter. Again, we couldn’t utilise the chances we created, but this is football — you are bound to miss some and score some. What is important is the result.”
Mutapa says his squad depth and rotation will be key in this busy period for Abayellow who are also in the Group stage of the lucrative CAF Champions League.
“I think the boys have done very well. We are coming from two wins ,it’s stressful but we knew we were going to go through this, that’s why we have been able to rotate and manage the players,” he said.
Looking ahead to the Kitwe Derby against Nkana who have now gone 10 games without a win Mutapa remains cautious.
“It’s very dangerous, but if we play with the same intensity, create chances, and if we can bury them, then we are going to have a good game,” Mutapa said.
Power Dynamos now move up to 4th position on 17 points with two games in hand. They travel a short distance away to Nkana on 8th November before returning home the following week on Wednesday to face Kansanshi Dynamos.
