Stage set for Power -Al Merrikh battle

Power Dynamos need one goal to level, and two to lead, when they host Al Merrikh of Sudan in a decisive CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 12 September. The Zambian champions trail 1-0 on aggregate after the first…

Power Dynamos need one goal to level, and two to lead, when they host Al Merrikh of Sudan in a decisive CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 12 September.

The Zambian champions trail 1-0 on aggregate after the first leg, but head coach Osward Mutapa says the tie is still very much alive.

Speaking ahead of the clash on Friday morning, Mutapa framed the deficit as a setback, not a knockout blow.

“It is a very important game for the team and the fans in general,” Mutapa said.

“It will be a tough game, like every game has been tough, but we have the human resource to overturn the result.”

For the AbaYellow gaffer, belief will be just as important as tactics.

“We are 1-0 down, but that doesn’t mean we are out. The game is only at half-time,” he said.

Mutapa also outlined the bigger picture for the club in Africa.

“We are pushing for the four slots,” he said, referencing the ambition to progress deep into the competition.

The mood in the dressing room mirrors the coach’s optimism. Captain Salulani Phiri says Saturday is about mentality as much as skill.

“The team knows what is at stake and it’s an opportunity for us to show character,” Phiri said.
Al Merrikh were not available for the pre-match media engagement.
With the Levy Mwanawasa crowd expected to provide a boost, Power will look to correct the shortcomings from the first leg and use home advantage to force the turnaround.

Al Merrikh have a slender advantage and will aim to frustrate Power and hit on the counter.

But with nothing to lose and 90 minutes at home, Mutapa’s side have the chance to write the next chapter of their CAF campaign.

The winners on aggregate will advance to the Second Preliminary Round scheduled for 16-18 October and 23-25 October.

The 16 winners from that round will progress to the group stage at the end of November.

The losing teams from the First Preliminary Round drop into the CAF Confederation Cup.

Kickoff for Saturday’s match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is 15h00.