Defending MTN Super League champions Power Dynamos hit the ground running in the New Year after posting a 2-0 victory over Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davies Stadium on Saturday.
The Super League resumed following an Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON)-induced break, and Power wasted no time in piling pressure on leaders Red Arrows.
The win moved Power to 29 points, just two behind Arrows, who remain top of the table.
Power were the livelier of the two sides but needed a penalty to break down a resolute Mutondo defence in the 35th minute.
The spot-kick came after Brian Masanyinga delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which Mutondo defender Martin Chilufya handled, leaving referee Charles Ngandwe with no option but to point to the spot.
Defender Samuel Ayodeji stepped up and calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Power the lead heading into the break.
Buoyed by the advantage, Power pushed for a second goal in the second half and could have extended their lead earlier were it not for a series of fine saves from Mutondo goalkeeper Scot Mwanza.
Power finally doubled their advantage in the 55th minute when Moses Shumah found the back of the net, taking his tally for the season to seven goals.
Mutapa not impressed
However, the scoreline did not please Power coach Osward Mutapa, who wished his side had scored more goals.
“I expected us to be more dominant,” Mutapa said after the game. “We were in a hurry instead of possessing the ball…that is the most annoying thing that I got from this game.”
Meanwhile, Mutondo coach Ronald Mukosha was modest in defeat.
“We expected…I am happy with the way the boys have turned out. I was expecting a cricket scoreline,” Mukosha said.
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