CAFCL: Pyramids FC hang on for narrow win in Zambia

Reigning CAF Champions League (CAFCL) winners Pyramids FC continued their perfect start in Group A on Saturday with a hard fought 1-0 victory at Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

Mohamed Reda lifted a clever finish over Power Dynamos keeper Lawrence Mulenga for the only goal of the match in the 51st minute. Pyramids star striker Fiston Mayele collected the ball 40 yards from goal and his pass was deflected into the penalty area where Reda arrived for the finish.

Hosts Dynamos showed plenty of enthusiasm for the big occasion at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola but struggled to make inroads against a well-organized Pyramids defense. The visitors were more dangerous in the first half with several set piece opportunities causing trouble.

The action increased in the second half with Reda’s strike coming soon after the interval. Dynamos proceeded to show more ambition, with halftime substitute Ronel Manyanga’s deflected shot finding the side netting after the hour mark. Substitute striker Moses Shumah got behind the defense in the 82nd minute but Dynamos’ Kenyan striker got his finish all wrong.

In the end, Dynamos could not create the one clear opportunity they desired and the Egyptian big spenders are now firmly in control of Group A along with Morocco’s RS Berkane. Pyramids FC will face RSB in Morocco to determine the group leaders when action resumes in CAF club competitions in late January.

Meanwhile, Zambian champions Dynamos will battle with Nigeria’s Rivers United in Ndola. Both teams have two defeats from their two matches, making the clash a must-win for both teams to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.