CAFCL: Mutapa celebrates Dynamos success, Minnaert concedes Vipers defeat

Zambia Super League champions Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa described his team’s qualification to the group stage of the CAF Champions League as an Independence gift to Zambia on Friday.

Dynamos secured a 1-1 draw against Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC in the second preliminary round return leg fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to qualify 3-2 on aggregate. They had won the first leg away 2-1 in Kampala a fortnight ago.

‘I am happy we have qualified’

During the game, Dynamos had a goal disallowed in the 14th minute when Frederick Mulambia was judged to have handled the ball before scoring.

New signing from Kenyan Premier League and Harambee Stars striker Moses Shumah scored for Power while Karim Watambala got the equaliser for the visitors. After the game, Mutapa dedicated the win to Zambia on the occasion to mark the country’s 61st Independence anniversary.

Watch Shumah scores to put Dynamos ahead

“I said it was important that we qualify and give the nation the 61st birthday present. For me what is important is qualification to the group stage. I am very much excited, I am happy that we have qualified,” Mutapa told reporters after the game.

Mutapa further explained with group stage qualification sealed, his team now has to change the benchmark and eye a quarter final berth. Meanwhile, Vipers coach Ivan Minnaert was gracious in defeat.

“We are disappointed, we tried and it was not working. That’s what has happened in the two games. We have lost and I can’t talk too much,” he said.

The draw for the group phase now awaits Dynamos, who will fancy their chances of extending this form against stronger opposition.

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