Power Dynamos claimed a historic 1-0 victory over Rivers United in their CAF Champions League Group C clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday.
Kondwani Chiboni’s early second-half strike sealed the win, marking Power Dynamos’ first-ever group stage victory in the tournament.
Power Dynamos control game but late fatigue gives Rivers United brief chances
The win lifted Osward Mutapa’s side to third place in the group with four points from four matches, while Rivers United remain bottom, still searching for their first win.
Mutapa revealed that his team had control for much of the match, but fatigue in the final minutes allowed Rivers United to create more openings themselves.
“I know the abilities of this team. Even when we came here, when I said we created chances, I knew we were going to create chances. Yes, it was easy in the way we played the first half; we controlled the spaces, and we controlled the game when we had the ball, but of course the last 15 minutes were something else.
Tired legs on there, and it was more difficult. If you saw that’s when Rivers were able to create a few chances, I would say, or half chances, but at the end of the day, it’s the result that mattered. Yes, it wasn’t easy, especially the last 15 minutes.”
Mutapa emphasised that Rivers United’s threat was due to fatigue on the part of his players rather than tactical errors from Power Dynamos.
Responsibility and clinical finishing remain Power Dynamos focus
Despite the victory, Mutapa admitted his team needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
“Nothing really changed, I think. In terms of scoring, we have asked our players to take responsibility.
I think if you saw even the first half, we created maybe two chances that we could have buried easily, but that has been the scenario all along: create chances and not score.”
The coach also shared his thoughts on the importance of the win for the group stage campaign.
“It is actually a very important victory. I could have loved to have gotten also at home because that’s where we created more chances than we did today, so it’s actually important because it pushes us closer to the two that are attacking the wall.”
Mutapa remained confident about qualification chances, stressing positivity and responsibility.
“Going forward, yes, we need to fight for three points, but again, it comes in the way we take responsibility in front of us.
Impossible is nothing. We have two games to play; that’s six points, like I’ve said. In football you can’t rule out anything. We just have to be positive about it. We play at home, get the three points, and then see how it goes with the last game.”
Power Dynamos will host RS Berkane in their next CAF Champions League game on Saturday, looking to consolidate their group stage position.
Rivers United, meanwhile, must bounce back quickly as they travel to Egypt to face titleholders Pyramids FC.