Zambian Champions Book Vipers Clash After Penalty Drama
Zambian champions Power Dynamos have booked their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after edging Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas 5-4 on penalties. The tie finished 1-1 on aggregate, with Power winning the first leg 1-0 in Ndola before suffering a 1-0 defeat in Abidjan on Sunday.
The result sets up a clash with Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC, who overcame Namibian champions African Stars 2-0 on aggregate. Oswald Mutapa’s side will travel to Uganda for the first leg before hosting the return match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Reflecting on the tense victory, head coach Oswald Mutapa admitted his side did not perform to their usual standards in the second leg but praised their resilience and determination.
“Well, a tough game. I think we played two halves which were critical in our movement to the next stage. We didn’t play very well here. We didn’t have movements, especially in terms of possessing the ball. Our team is a ball-playing team. We didn’t do that too much today. But I think kudos to the boys. The energy was still there and we were able to chase. Even when we conceded, it was one of those lapses where one player didn’t track the runner. But this is football. We had so many options to qualify. We could take it to penalties, we could draw, we could even lose 2-1 and still qualify. We have won through the penalties and we’re happy that we are going to the next stage.”
Mutapa also emphasized that spot kicks were not part of the original plan but showed the team’s ambition. “We didn’t plan for penalties, but that was one of the options as regards the whole game. We came here to get a result, which I feel we have gotten. Yes, we lost one game, but we went through on penalties. This is a very ambitious side that wants to achieve more, and our benchmark has been to reach the group stage. We are happy that we are going to the next stage.”
Power Dynamos will now shift focus to their upcoming battle against Vipers, with group stage qualification firmly in their sights.
