A 7-1 aggregate scoreline defeat against Congolese giants TP Mazembe on April 14, 2012, was Power Dynamos FC’s last continental game that saw them bow out in the second round of the CAF Champions League.
Former Zambian international Given Singuluma scored twice after his compatriot Rainford Kalaba had opened the scoring for Mazembe. Retired Congolese international Tresor Mputu also scored a hat-trick to thrash the Dynamos.
Prior to that match, Dynamos had won 8-1 on aggregate, 5-1 away from home, and 3-1 at home against Japan Actuels of Madagascar.
The reigning Zambian Super League winners are now back in the Champions League as they seek redemption on the continental stage.
They have arrived in South Africa ahead of their first-leg match of the Champions League preliminary round against the African Stars of Namibia this Saturday, hoping to go one step further than they did in 2012.
As one of two Zambian continental envoys, with FC MUZA competing in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time, Aba Yellow will be hoping to replicate their 1991 success, when they won the CAF Winners Cup, remaining the only Zambian team to do so.
Is Power Dynamos ready for continental football?
Dynamos will head into their first continental match in 11 years after losing 3-1 to ABSA Cup champions Forest Rangers in the Zambian Charity Shield last weekend.
However, Chipepo downplayed the defeat and said, “The squad was not our strongest team; it was chosen by fans, and we had little control as coaches.”
He stated that their “aim is to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League,” which is their focus at the moment.
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Power Dynamos have strengthened their squad with the signing of Chipolopolo defender Dominic Chanda from Kabwe Warriors, who will marshal the defense alongside Aaron Katebe and Jackson Mulambia.
Chipepo will also rely on the midfield prowess of Zambian Super League Young Player of the Year Joshua Mutale and Linos Makwaza Jr.
The Zambian Champions will also bank on Andy Boyeli’s scoring prowess, which saw him net 18 league goals last season.
Dynamos and African Stars’ second leg match will be held on August 26, 2023.
