Power Dynamos of Zambia sealed a historic CAF Champions League win after edging Rivers United 1–0 in their matchday four clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday.

The Zambian champions showed grit and control to secure their first-ever CAF Champions League group stage victory, with head coach Osward Mutapa later pointing to fatigue as the key reason Rivers United created more chances, Footballrover reports.

Kondwani Chiboni struck five minutes after the restart to decide the contest, lifting Power Dynamos to third place in Group A with four points from four matches.

Power Dynamos coach Mutapa explains how fatigue shaped Rivers United clash

Reflecting on the tactical approach, Mutapa admitted his side expected a tough contest against a Rivers United team known for creating chances.

“This is a team that usually creates a lot of chances, and yes, we knew coming here it was going to be a tough game, and we are not going to sit back to allow Rivers to attack us, but I think in the last 15 minutes it was all about defending, but also in a few moments we showed we are able to play,, and for me, yes, defence-wise, especially our central player didn’t defend as we would love them to do.

They are a good pair that are able to defend, but today it wasn’t there, but at the end of the day we get the three points and we move forward.”

Power Dynamos were solid for large spells, even if Mutapa felt his team could have defended better at the back.

Power Dynamos manage game but tired legs gave Rivers United advantage

The Power Dynamos coach revealed that his side controlled the first half well before physical fatigue changed the rhythm late on.

“I know the abilities of this team. Even when we came here, when I said we created chances, I knew we were going to create chances. Yes, it was easy in the way we played the first half; we controlled the spaces, and we controlled the game when we had the ball, but of course the last 15 minutes were something else.

Tired legs on there, and it was more difficult. If you saw that’s when Rivers were able to create a few chances, I would say, or half chances, but at the end of the day, it’s the result that mattered. Yes, it wasn’t easy, especially the last 15 minutes.”

Mutapa stressed that fatigue, rather than pressure, allowed Rivers United brief openings late in the game.

Power Dynamos focus on responsibility and belief

Despite being wasteful at times, Mutapa said nothing drastic changed before the winning goal.

“Nothing really changed, I think. In terms of scoring, we have asked our players to take responsibility.

I think if you saw even the first half, we created maybe two chances that we could have buried easily, but that has been the scenario all along: create chances and not score.”

The win has strengthened belief within the Power Dynamos camp as they push for qualification.

“Going forward, yes, we need to fight for three points, but again, it comes in the way we take responsibility in front of us.

Impossible is nothing. We have two games to play; that’s six points, like I’ve said. In football you can’t rule out anything. We just have to be positive about it. We play at home, get the three points, and then see how it goes with the last game.”

Mutapa also acknowledged his side’s ongoing struggles in front of goal.

“I do share the same sentiments. This is a team. Even in the local league, we are able to create more than 10 chances but only maybe score one, and we have, like I said, asked our players to take responsibility. Let’s be clinical in front of goal. Let’s have the confidence of playing as champions of the Zambian league. But yes, you are right, we are wasteful in front of goal.”

What the result means

The victory moves Power Dynamos into third place in Group A and keeps their qualification hopes alive.

They will next host RS Berkane on Saturday. Rivers United, now bottom of the group and still without a win, face a tough away test against holders Pyramids FC of Egypt.

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Last Updated on February 2, 2026 11:23 am by footballrover