Defending champions Power Dynamos moved to the top of the Zambia Super League table after a commanding 3–0 victory over Green Buffaloes in a lively encounter.
A brace from Moses Shumah and a well-taken goal by Ronnel Manyanga ensured Abayellow secured all three points, lifting them to 45 points and two clear of Red Arrows at the summit.
Power Dynamos made the perfect start, striking just a minute into the match when Shumah capitalised on an early opportunity to give the home side the lead.
The early exchanges were not without incident. In the seventh minute, Innocent Kashita was forced off after a clash of heads with Mweene Mumbi.
The defender was stretched off the pitch and replaced three minutes later by Austin Muwowo.
Despite the disruption, Power continued to dictate the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 17th minute. Kondwani Chiboni surged down the flank before delivering a pinpoint cross into the area, where Manyanga controlled calmly from a tight angle and fired past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Green Buffaloes threatened midway through the first half when Stephani Ipeme stepped up for a dangerous free kick near the edge of the box, forcing Willard Mwanza into a superb fingertip save.
The visitors were handed a lifeline in the 37th minute after John Soko brought down Martin Njobvu in the penalty area.
However, Mwanza came to Power’s rescue moments later, producing an excellent save to deny Francis Mweenye from the spot.
Power Dynamos dealt the decisive blow deep into first-half stoppage time when Shumah grabbed his second of the evening. The forward finished clinically to extend the lead and take his league tally to nine goals this season.
The second half saw further setbacks for the hosts when Dominic Chanda was forced off with an injury in the 52nd minute, prompting another change as Aaron Katebe came on to replace the defender.
Green Buffaloes continued to search for a way back into the match and nearly found it in the 74th minute when Chrispine Simunyola spun inside the box and unleashed a powerful effort that was brilliantly saved by Mwanza.
Power Dynamos managed the remainder of the game comfortably, making further adjustments with Sekanji Siame and Brian Masanyinga coming on for Chiboni and Frederick Mulambia respectively as they saw out the victory.
The result sends Power Dynamos to the top of the table and reinforces their strong title defence with another dominant display.
Full-time:
Power Dynamos 3–0 Green Buffaloes
(Moses Shumah 1′, 45+2′; Ronnel Manyanga 17′)
