Power Dynamos have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League following a 3–1 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC in Cairo on Saturday night.
Dynamos headed into their final Group A fixture needing a win to stand a chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, but they were dealt a major blow when Pyramids scored just 17 minutes into the game through Mostafa Ziko. Oswald Mutapa’s boys responded two minutes later through Fredrick Mulambia, who tapped home the equalizer.
In the 33rd minute, Youssef Obama restored Pyramids’ lead after tapping in a ball that spilled from Willard Mwanza’s hands right on the goal line. The Egyptians extended their advantage through Brazilian Ewerton in the 59th minute to seal the victory.
Pyramids and RS Berkane have advanced to the quarterfinals, with Berkane thrashing Rivers United 3–0 to book their place in the last eight.
Mutapa’s Reaction
Dynamos head coach Mutapa reacted after his side’s defeat to Pyramids, stating that, “Away, especially the first two goals, which we could have done better, but this is football. We have taken lessons from the, the games of course.”
Mutapa also bemoaned losing at home, “Also looking back at the games that we played before this game, where maybe we could have taken maximum points, especially playing at home. We need to win all our games, and this is something that we can take into the coming [season] because we definitely have to play again.”
He is now focused on the domestic front, with Dynamos turning attention to the league title race, where they sit second with 35 points in 17 games, just a point behind leaders Red Arrows, who have 36 points from 18 matches.
Meanwhile, Zambian teenage sensation Pascal Phiri made his debut for Pyramids, coming on in the 72nd minute, making two crucial saves, and nearly assisting the Egyptian side’s fourth goal.
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