ALL IS SET FOR THE ENERGY DERBY AS ZESCO PLOT DYNAMOS DOWNFALL

Zambia’s 2023/24 envoys in the CAF Champions League, Power Dynamos have endured a mixed campaign in Africa’s coveted interclub competition after progressing to the second preliminary round of the competition with a slim second leg 1-0 victory over Namibian side, African Stars.

The first leg of the second preliminary qualifying test has thus far proved a daunting task after Aba Yellow were drawn against Tanzanian elite side Simba. Power Dynamos barely survived the wrath of Clatous Chota Chama and company after holding on to a 2-2 draw in the first leg played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

A return leg in the East African country scheduled for October 1, 2023, is expected to be a more formidable task for the Zambian Super League champions who will be hunting for a rare victory at Simba’s Benjamin Mkapa stadium.

Dynamo’s narrative in the CAF Champions League may not be as rosy as many local football pundits would have wanted. However, their start to the 2023/24 Zambian Super League has so far been a tale of a defending champion.

Aba Yellow have played three games, drawing 0-0 in their opener against Prison Leopards before silencing Nkwazi and Green Eagles 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.

Tomorrow, Sunday, September 24, 2023, Power Dynamos host one of their biggest rivals in the famous energy derby when they face ZESCO United at Arthur Davies stadium on matchday five.

ZESCO United will be hunting for a third victory of the campaign after managing two victories, a draw, and a loss at the hands of Nkwazi FC.

United will be hoping to ride on their recent 3-0 victory over Konkola Blades when they visit the Arthur Davies stadium.

Both Goerge Lwandamina and his deputy Tenant Chilumba will be determined to navigate the ZESCO Limited powered side back to winning ways when they face the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) powered Dynamos.

“There is no easy game in this league. Every game is like a cup final. They are obviously disappointed with the result they got in the CAF Champions League against Simba. They are focusing on this game to get some consolation. But we are ready for them” United Assistant Coach Tenant Chilumba said.

And Chilumba expects his side to be mentally prepared for the challenge ahead:” We must be mentally strong because this is a big game, and everyone wants to win. We must settle down quickly and push for an early goal if possible.”

Meanwhile United shot stopper Cyrill Chibwe believes the nine-times league champions have what it takes to beat Dynamos.

“The start to the season hasn’t been bad for us. However, we need to build on our last victory against Konkola Blades and potentially win our next three games.

“We face Power Dynamos on Sunday, a big test for us. We need to stay focused until the last whistle. Last season they equalized in the dying minutes of the match due to a lapse in concentration on our side. We are better prepared this time around,” Chibwe said.