Kenyan striker Moses Shumah was on target as Power Dynamos FC of Zambia earned a crucial 1-2 away victory over Ugandan champions Vipers SC in the first leg of the 25/26 CAF Champions League second preliminary round at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Sunday evening.
The clash lived up to its billing, producing moments of quality, intensity and drama as both sides battled for early control in the two-legged tie.
The opening half saw end-to-end action but no goals, with both goalkeepers standing tall to keep their sides level at the break.
After the restart, it was the home side who broke the deadlock. Ugandan International Yunus Sentamu, Vipers’ reliable forward, pounced from close range in the 48th minute after a goalmouth scramble inside the Power Dynamos box.
His finish sent the Kitende fans into celebration, but the joy was short-lived.
Moses Shumah on target as Power Dynamos edge Vipers in CAF Champions League
Barely five minutes later, Power Dynamos responded in style. Harambee Stars striker Moses Shumah, who has been in fine form since joining the Zambian champions, showed composure and class as he timed his run perfectly to meet a precise through ball from Nigerian defender Samuel Ayodeji Bamidele.
Shumah outpaced his marker and fired a thunderous right-footed strike in almost an impossible angle into the top corner past Vipers’ goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu, silencing the home fans and restoring parity at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted the momentum in Power Dynamos’ favor. Though Vipers pushed forward in search of a second goal, the visitors held firm, with goalkeeper Willard Mwanza producing several key saves to keep them in the game.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Vipers defender Derrick Ndahiro, attempting to clear a low cross, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The error handed Power Dynamos a vital lead and what would ultimately prove to be the match-winner.
Speaking after the match, head coach Oswald Mutapa lauded his players for their fighting spirit and discipline, describing the result as “half the job done.”
“This result gives us a big boost heading into the return leg in Ndola,” Mutapa said. “The boys showed great character and belief. We have won the first half of the tie, but we must remain focused and finish it off at home.”
For Moses Shumah, the goal was not only crucial for his club but also a precious moment the departed former Prime minister of Kenya Right Honorable Raila Odinga as he raised Kenya’s flag in solidarity with the entire country that’s mourning.
The victory leaves Power Dynamos in control of the tie with two vital away goals and a one-goal advantage heading into the decisive second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
With home advantage and momentum on their side, the Zambian champions will look to finish the job and seal a historic qualification to the CAF Champions League group stage.
As Head Coach Mutapa summed it up “Job half done” Power Dynamos know the mission is far from over, but Sunday’s win in Kampala has given them a solid foundation to build on.