Power Dynamos have continued to blow hot and cold in their pre-season campaign after playing to a 1-1 draw against TP Mazembe in a friendly match.
The draw came after the defending champions edged Roan United 1-0 in an earlier friendly as they continue to fine-tune their squad ahead of the new season and their CAF Champions League campaign.
The match against Mazembe was the fifth official friendly Power has played since returning from South Africa, where they held part of their pre-season training camp.
Striker Amine Hiver put Power ahead in the 63rd minute, but their lead lasted only until the 85th minute when Mazembe equalized from the penalty spot.
In the earlier match, Power managed a narrow 1-0 victory over a youthful Roan United side that will be returning to top-flight football for the first time in 13 years.
Joshua Mutale scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute.
But should the results worry Power fans? Perhaps not yet.
Coach Osward Mutapa has repeatedly cautioned against reading too much into pre-season results, insisting that the primary objective is to get the team sharp, build fitness, and ensure the players are ready for the competitive season.
The draw against Mazembe, in particular, could provide encouragement, given the quality of the opposition and Power’s ability to hold the lead until the closing stages.
However, the mixed results also highlight areas Mutapa will need to address before the team’s competitive campaign gets underway.
