Former Chipolopolo defender Francis Kasonde has urged Power Dynamos and ZESCO United to make their home advantage count this week as both sides prepare for crucial CAF interclub fixtures after suffering defeats in their opening matches.
Power Dynamos return from Morocco following a 3-0 loss to RS Berkane in their CAF Champions League opener and now face an even tougher assignment against defending champions Pyramids FC on Saturday at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Kitwe giants, known for their possession-oriented approach, struggled to impose their style away from home—something Kasonde believes can change on familiar ground.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, ZESCO United are also targeting a turnaround after its 1-0 defeat to Egyptian giants Zamalek in a Group D clash in Cairo. They now shift their attention to Friday’s home fixture against Al Masry, also at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, where they will look to regain momentum in front of their fans.
“Power Dynamos and ZESCO United have to do more,” he said. “They are experienced sides and know what is expected of them in the final third. Those were away games—things can be totally different at home, and they must push for maximum points to stay competitive.”
Kasonde commended ZESCO United’s performance despite the defeat, noting that the Ndola side created several opportunities but lacked the finishing touch.
“ZESCO played very good football; they just need to be more clinical. They created more chances and must utilise them. With the level of football both teams are playing, they need consistent concentration for the full 90 minutes plus,” he said.
Regarding Power Dynamos, the former Chipolopolo defender observed that the team drifted from their usual identity in Morocco.
“They had a different approach away. The team enjoys possession football, which we didn’t see. Hopefully, we’ll see the Power Dynamos we all know when they play at home.”
Both Zambian clubs now find themselves in must-win situations as they seek to keep their CAF campaigns alive on home soil.
READ ALSO: Sichone names 55-man provisional AFCON squad as eleven from last edition miss out
