Chiboni speaks out after scoring an own goal against Simba

Power Dynamos center-back Kondwani Chiboni believes the elimination of the team from the CAF Champions League was a result of being unlucky.

Power were eliminated from the CAF Champions League on Sunday following a 1-1 away draw against Simba at the Azam Complex in Tanzania.

Simba, who drew with Power 2-2 in the first leg, advanced to the group stage of the competition on the away goal rule with a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.

In the second leg, Power scored through Andy Boyeli, but their second goal was an own goal by Chiboni, which handed the Tanzanians a ticket to the next round.

#CAFCL Goli la Simba akijifunga Kondwani Chiboni

FT: Simba 1-1 Power Dynamos (Agg: 3-3)

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— Azam TV (@azamtvtz) October 1, 2023

Chiboni told Bolanews in an exclusive interview that Power was the better team, but that chance and luck favoured their opponents.

“I think the two matches we played weren’t a big challenge to hold the Simba players. If you see the goals they scored in the first leg, one was outside the box and the goalkeeper didn’t see the ball because of the players in front of him, then the second goal they scored through a rebound.

“In Tanzania, we scored and were up there; in the second half, they hit a cross that deflected the keeper and hit me; it was an own goal.

“I think it wasn’t just meant to be for us to go through to the next round. The guys put in everything and played their lungs out. We didn’t give them a chance; they felt our presence,” said Chiboni.

Chiboni on his own goal

Chiboni described the team’s reaction after he scored an own goal as “overwhelming.”

“In my entire career, I have never seen such love or a team united as Power Dynamos,” he revealed. “Because even when my own goal happened, you could see each and every player encouraging me, Let’s go, let’s go. It’s past; we are going to have another goal.

“Even the technical bench kept on saying, Let’s work; there is still time. With the team, it was encouraging; the game didn’t change even after conceding its own goal.”

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The 27-year-old defender made a return to Power after spending two years at Nkana Football Club.

With his experience and good defensive skills, Chiboni hopes to redeem himself and help Power defend the league title.

They are currently fifth in the league standings with nine points after playing five games.

Power will this weekend host Kansanshi Dynamos in a week 6 fixture at the Authur Davies Stadium.