Back-to-Back eliminations: Is Power Dynamos losing its continental edge

A two-legged (1-0) loss to Sudanese Club […]

A two-legged (1-0) loss to Sudanese Club Al Merrikh led to the elimination of Power Dynamos from the CAF Champions League. Interestingly, this is the second time in two seasons that aba Yellow has suffered such a defeat at the early stage of the competition.

Coming from back of expectations following their local league dominance, the fans expected an explosive campaign but instead disappointment.

 However, the biggest question remains: does the performance of Dynamos truly reflect the downgrade of standards for local football? Football Analyst Maria Banda attributed the elimination to a lack of preparation, owing to the competitiveness and aggression of the tournament.

“Having a poor performance from one season to the other is not good for them; I think they have done quite well locally.”

“Maybe it’s also telling us the level of standards that have dropped in Zambian football; as a team, they really have to plan, get better players, and be more acquainted with the club that they are playing in,” she added.

Banda acknowledged the intensity of the continental football, stating that no team is shallower than the other, especially in today’s competitions.

 Dynamos are back with attention solely focused on clinching the league title for the second time in a row. Last season, Aba Yellow where eliminated at the Group Stage level, and the latest elimination is more revealing for ZPL and Zambian football at large.

 Meanwhile, Red Arrows flew past the preliminary stage with a resounding 4-0 aggregate against Madagascar’s FC Rouge in the CAF Competition.

Artcle by Samuel Mutale