Power Dynamos FC delivered a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the Quarter-finals of the ABSA Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nampundwe FC.
The Kitwe based giants imposed themselves early, dictating tempo and territory, and were rewarded with a first-half strike from Linos Makwaza Jnr in the 42nd minute and a second half finish by Austin Muwowo on the 58th minute, to hand Power a routine win over a Nampundwe FC side that competes in the FAZ Lusaka province league division.
Nampundwe FC registered their first real attempt in the 23rd minute, when their forward unleashed a fierce volley that forced Lawrence Mulenga into a sharp fingertip save, parrying the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner in the 28th minute, Mulenga was again alert, making a routine stop to keep the scores level.
Power nearly opened the scoring shortly after, with Emmanuel Osoro getting on the end of a teasing delivery from the right by Salulani Phiri in the 29th minute, but a slight defensive touch disrupted his control at the crucial moment, sending the chance wide. Osoro was subsequently withdrawn in the 30th minute, with Ronnel Manyanga introduced to add attacking impetus.
Manyanga wasted no time asserting his presence and combined well with Austin Muwowo in the 38th minute, whipping in a precise cross that found the winger, whose header sailed just over the crossbar.
Power’s sustained pressure paid dividends in the 42nd minute. A dangerous aerial ball from Muwowo caused confusion in the Nampundwe box, and goalkeeper Nash Malambo failed to clear convincingly allowing Linos Makwaza Jnr, the subsequent ABSA Man of the Match, to react quickest, pouncing on the loose ball to slot home and give Power a deserved lead at the interval.i
In his post match comments, Power Dynamos assistant coach, Linos Makwaza Snr described the win as emphatic emphasizing that winning the ABSA Cup remains a target for his side this season along with defending the Zambian Premier league.
The coach praised his side, highlighting the importance of team rotation, with various players who were on national duty, including Willard Mwanza, Kondwani Chiboni, Owen Tembo, Fredrick Mulambia, Prince Mumba and Dominic Chanda, all unavailable.
Power will now shift attention to a rescheduled fixture against Mines United FC in the Zambia Premier League.
