Oswald Mutapa, the head coach of Power Dynamos, knows what to expect when his team takes on Vipers Sports Club of Uganda on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in the first leg of the CAF Champions final qualification phase.
The Zambian champions, reached this stage after overcoming ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast on penalties, while Vipers progressed by defeating African Stars of Namibia. The winner over two legs will qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Mutapa said his side is anticipating a tough encounter but remains confident they can deliver.
“We anticipate a tough game. This is a team that has been doing well at home, but of course, we are equally a determined side that needs a result. We need to go and get a positive result—play the first half there, then come and finish the job,” Mutapa said.
Asked about the team’s response after the 2-1 loss to Red Arrows, Mutapa said the setback helped them sharpen their focus.
“For me, it has even given us moments to focus. We lost 2-1, but if you look at the way we played, even with a man less, we created more chances than Red Arrows did and defended so well until maybe the last minute when we allowed the other goal. Yes, we lost, but we are focused on what is at stake,” he explained.
Mutapa noted that his technical team has studied the Ugandan side closely.
Power Dynamos Missing Key Players.
“I think we know a lot—nowadays, in football, you don’t just go there without knowing your opponents. Of course, we have something we know about them. They’re a good side, but in each and every game that you play, the game starts at 50/50,” he said.
He confirmed that Dominic Chanda will miss the game due to suspension, while Lawrence Mulenga is out through illness.
“Changes will be there. We have no Dominic Chanda in the team—he got a red card in Abidjan. We equally have no Lawrence Mulenga, who is unwell, so those will be some of the changes that we make,” Mutapa said.
Despite the challenges, the Power Dynamos coach insists his team remains confident.
“The confidence should be there, but the game against ASEC is water under the bridge. We have to give Vipers the respect they deserve but also focus on getting a result. If we get a result in Uganda, then we’ll be talking of progressing to the next round,” he said. The match will kick off at 18:00.
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