CAF Champions League: Power Dynamos keep faint knockout stage hopes alive at Rivers United

Zambian champions Power Dynamos still have hope of qualifying to the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League after a crucial 1-0 victory away at Nigeria’s Rivers United on Sunday.

That angle. That finish. Chiboni. 🤯🤯#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/ysqNGbnCcx

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 1, 2026

A fluke goal early in the second half from Kondwani Chiboni was enough for the visitors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Once again for hosts Rivers United, the issue of an impotent attack cost them dearly and all but sealed their elimination with two Group A matches to spare.

As expected, the visitors from Zambia began with a focus on managing the game and preventing an early goal. Surprisingly, the first opportunity fell to them when an early cross from John Soko on the left wing found Dynamos captain Prince Mumba, who fired low and wide of the far post from a difficult angle on the left wing.

The only real test Dynamos keeper Willard Mwanza faced in the first half arrived in the 38th minute when he pushed away Wasiu Falolu’s long range attempt.

But the visitors were rewarded for their strong defensive performance in the first half with a 50th minute goal. Following a corner kick, the ball came back out to the right wing where Chiboni’s cross took an awful bounce to sneak by Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya at his near post.

Incompetence in the finishing department cost Rivers for the remainder of the match. A 57th minute header from Mbaoma Chijioke caused Mwanza to spill the ball in front of his goal but Stephen Manyo slipped with the goal begging and sent his rebound attempt far off target.

One more chance arrived in stoppage time but Mwanza closed down the angle and stood tall to deny from close range.

Power Dynamos remain alive in Group A but will now have to defeat reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions RS Berkane when they host the Moroccan side in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Rivers will host group leaders and Champions League holders Pyramids FC in Uyo next week.

CAF Champions League: Group A Table