Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa has praised his players’ resilience after the Zambian champions secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Rivers United in their CAF Champions League group-stage clash in Uyo on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Mutapa acknowledged the quality of Rivers United and admitted his side were forced to dig deep, particularly in the closing stages, to protect the narrow lead.
“This is a team that usually creates a lot of chances and we knew coming here it was going to be a tough game,” Mutapa said. “We were not going to sit back and allow Rivers to attack us.”
The Power Dynamos coach revealed that while his team aimed to play positively, the final 15 minutes required a strong defensive effort as Rivers United pushed for an equaliser.
“The last 15 minutes were all about defending, but there were also moments where we showed that we are able to play. Rivers created a few half-chances then, mostly because of tired legs,” he noted.
Despite concerns about defensive organisation on the day, Mutapa was satisfied with the outcome.
“Defensively, especially our central pair, they didn’t defend the way we would have loved. They are capable, but today it wasn’t really there. At the end of the day, we got the three points and we move forward.”
Mutapa described the victory as a significant boost to Power Dynamos’ qualification hopes, stressing its importance in a tightly contested group.
“It is a very important victory. We would have loved to get this kind of result at home as well, because that’s where we usually create more chances. But this win pushes us closer to the teams above us.”
Reflecting on his side’s overall performance, the coach felt Power Dynamos controlled the game for long spells, especially in the first half.
“We controlled the spaces and the game when we had the ball. I knew we were going to create chances because I know the ability of this team.”
However, Mutapa admitted that finishing remains a concern, as his side again failed to convert several clear opportunities.
“We created maybe two chances in the first half that we could have buried easily. This has been the story all along – creating chances and not scoring. We’ve asked our players to take responsibility in front of goal.”
With two group matches remaining, Mutapa insisted qualification is still within reach.
“Impossible is nothing. We have two games left, that’s six points. We play at home next, we fight for three points and then see how it goes in the last game. In football, you can’t rule out anything.”
Power Dynamos’ win leaves the group finely balanced as the race for the quarter-final places heads into the decisive final round of fixtures.
