Power Dynamos and Rivers United Trade Blanks in Ndola

The CAF Champions League action kicked off on Saturday with a scoreless draw between Zambia’s Power Dynamos and Nigeria’s Rivers United. Despite a dominant showing from the hosts at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the visitors held firm to secure a gritty away point.

The story of the match was largely defined by the heroics of Rivers United goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya.

Within the first ten minutes, Onisodumeya’s full-stretch dive kept the game level. In the 22nd minute, he reacted quickly to smother an attempt from Prince Mumba, who had been threaded through by Frederick Mulambia. Chifundo Mphasi added to the hosts’ frustration by firing a volley over the bar after an inch-perfect cross from Mumba.

Late Drama and Close Calls

While Dynamos pushed for a winner, Rivers United nearly stole the lead in the 67th minute. Taofeek Otaniyi cut inside from the left to unleash a long-range strike, but Zambian international Willard Mwanza produced a strong save to keep his sheet clean.

The woodwork eventually came to the visitors’ rescue in the 75th minute when substitute Moses Shumah rattled the post with a fierce header. Despite a late barrage of pressure, the Nigerian side managed to weather the storm.

Group A Outlook

The 0-0 result leaves both teams trailing in the wake of group heavyweights RS Berkane and Pyramids FC. With only one point each, the stakes have shifted dramatically for the return leg.

A win is now non-negotiable for both sides when they clash again next Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Meanwhile, the group’s frontrunners, RS Berkane and Pyramids, are set to face off in Morocco later tonight to determine who takes early control of the table.