Power Dynamos ended their two consecutive defeats in the CAF Champions league group stage, with a 2-1 victory over Konkola Blades at Arthur Davies Stadium on Sunday.
Kenyan striker, Moses Shumah was Power Dynamos’ two goal hero coming from the bench to seal the win for Aba Yellow in the 85th and 90th minute.
The coming from behind win ended a difficult phase that saw the Zambian champions endure back-to-back defeats to RS Berkane and Pyramids, followed by a 1-1 league draw against FC Leopards.
The victory lifted the Kitwe giants to second place on the MTN Super League table with 25 points, six points behind leaders, Red Arrows with 31.
In his post-match interview, coach Oswald Mutapa said: “We are going to have these kind of games along the way but I think for me it’s the character that we showed that we didn’t want to draw points here. Yes, coming from two continental losses, drew against FC Leopards. Leopards have drawn by the way. So it’s not that they are doing well. So it’s just that we missed chances but here we are. I think a championship mentality where you don’t give up and I think our message was let’s not give up. We still have enough games to play.”
“Target is to defend the league” – Mutapa.
Mutapa also addressed fan concerns over his decision to continue fielding young goalkeeper Josphat Lilanda ahead of experienced shot-stoppers Lawrence Mulenga and Willard Mwanza.
“Our fans, they should have the confidence in us as the technical team. We have Willard and Lawrence who are going with the national team and we have two more games to play. So we needed Joseph to have that confidence and for me playing last week and playing today it brings him with that confidence so that we are able to handle the two other games against Kabwe Warriors and against Zanaco. We are not just going to bring him and put him in deep fire.”
Mutapa said the win keeps Power Dynamos within touching distance of the leaders, stressing that the mission remains to defend their league title while fighting for a spot in the Absa Cup.
“We know the abilities of this team… the objective remains to defend the title of course as well as we want to defend the title but also play in the ABSA and for me that’s the most important thing.”
Mutapa defended his substitutions after withdrawing defender Jackson Mulia to push for goals.
“There is no way we are going to give up. We had about 25 minutes remaining. We made tactical changes, brought in more forward players and removed Jackson… When you make tactical changes like that and you get the result that you want, you give a part to the players.”
READ ALSO: Phiri reacts to FC MUZA’s second in a row super league draw.
