Power Dynamos sit bottom of Group A but remain confident of turning chances into goals against Rivers United
Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa has insisted his side still believe in their ability to turn around their CAF Champions League Group A campaign, as the Zambian champions prepare for a decisive away fixture against Rivers United in Nigeria.
The two sides played out a tense goalless draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium over the weekend, a result that left Power Dynamos rooted to the bottom of the group with just one point and still searching for their first goal of the group stage.
Despite the difficult position, Mutapa struck an optimistic tone, stressing that Power’s destiny remains in their own hands if they can start converting chances into goals.
“You know we’re always playing all the games to win and the game against Rivers United in Nigeria is the same. It’s an important game for us,” Mutapa said. “Yes, Pyramids FC and RS Berkane have seven points apiece, but what we need to do is win our games, starting with the game against Rivers United in Nigeria.”
Power have struggled in front of goal so far in the competition, but Mutapa dismissed suggestions that his side lack attacking quality, pointing instead to confidence and responsibility in decisive moments.
“Football is played with pressure. The way we are creating chances, I don’t think we’re a team that can’t score. We’re a team that at any given time we can even score four,” he said.
“Yes, we are missing a lot of chances, but I don’t think it’s a coach who is supposed to go in and score those goals. For me, it’s just taking responsibility. These are the same players that won us the league, the same players that have been scoring.”
Defensively, Power Dynamos have at least found some encouragement, keeping four clean sheets in the competition so far — a platform Mutapa believes can still fuel a late push for qualification.
“If we are able to keep a clean sheet, then try and create as many chances and try and score, then it gives us a chance,” he added.
The group remains delicately poised. A win away to Rivers United would lift Power Dynamos to third place on four points and keep alive a mathematical chance of progressing to the knockout stage. Leaders RS Berkane and second-placed Pyramids FC both sit on seven points after playing out a goalless draw in Morocco, a result that kept them level at the top of the table.
As they head to Nigeria, Power Dynamos have named a sizeable traveling squad, led by goalkeepers Willard Mwanza and Josephat Lilanda. The defensive unit includes Jackson Mulambia, Kondwani Chiboni, Dominic Chanda, John Soko, Aaron Katebe and Samuel Bamidele, while the midfield options feature 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.
In attack, Mutapa will rely on Titus Chansa, Kapembwa Musonda, Ismael Ankobo and Moses Shumah to finally spark Power’s scoring run.
Notably absent from the squad is goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga, who was on the bench in the draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. No official explanation has been given for his omission.
With little margin for error, Power Dynamos head to Nigeria knowing only victory will truly reignite their Champions League hopes — and give weight to Mutapa’s belief that his side is far better than their current position suggests.
