Power Dynamos of Zambia secured a narrow but decisive 1–0 victory over Nigeria’s Rivers United to eliminate the Pride of Rivers in their CAF Champions League encounter played in Uyo on Sunday.
The Zambian champions picked their first win of the campaign courtesy of a second-half strike from Chiboni, who found the net in the 50th minute against the run of play, punishing Rivers United for their wastefulness in front of goal.
Despite enjoying overwhelming dominance, Rivers United were unable to translate their superiority into goals.
Finidi George’s side controlled 71 per cent of possession, completed 558 passes, and registered 20 shots on goal, but were repeatedly denied by a resilient Power Dynamos defence and an inspired goalkeeper, who made four crucial saves.
Rivers United pushed aggressively from the opening whistle, creating pressure through sustained spells in the opposition half and earning eight corner kicks.
However, their finishing let them down, with several efforts either blocked or drifting off target.
Power Dynamos, on the other hand, adopted a disciplined and compact approach, absorbing pressure and waiting for moments to strike on the counterattack.
Their patience paid off shortly after the break when Chiboni capitalised on a rare opening to score what proved to be the decisive goal of the contest.
The Zambian side created fewer chances overall, managing seven shots and just one clear-cut opportunity, but showed superior efficiency to see out the result.
The defeat brings Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign to an end, with just a point point in four matches.
With two matches to go, the result marked a disappointing exit as the team failed to win any of the matches played so far.
Power Dynamos keeps their hope of making it out of the group alive as the next two match days will determine their fate in the group which has RS Berkane and Pyramids FC.
