Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa believes his side have the quality and character to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Al Merrikh and keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.
The Zambian champions trail after last weekend’s first-leg defeat in Rwanda, but Mutapa insists the tie is far from decided ahead of Saturday’s return at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
With 90 minutes still to play, the Power Dynamos coach has urged his players to approach the second leg with belief rather than pressure.
“It is a very important game for the team and the fans in general,” Mutapa told reporters on Friday.
“It will be a tough game, like every game has been tough, but we have the human resource to overturn the result.
“We are 1-0 down, but that doesn’t mean we are out. The game is only at half-time.”
Power Dynamos will need to score if they are to progress, while keeping Al Merrikh from extending their advantage.
Captain Salulani Phiri believes the occasion provides an opportunity for the players to demonstrate the character required to complete the comeback.
“The team knows what is at stake and it’s an opportunity for us to show character,” Phiri said.
Mutapa is confident his squad can deliver, with home support expected to play a key role as the Zambian champions chase progression in continental competition.
“We are pushing for the four slots,” he said.
Power Dynamos face Al Merrikh at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 12 September, needing to overturn the Sudanese side’s 1-0 advantage to reach the next stage.
