The Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is set to host a crucial CAF Champions League Group A encounter on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Zambia’s Power Dynamos FC face Nigeria’s Rivers United.
With both teams seeking their first points and occupying the bottom two spots in the group, this match is a must-win for their continental aspirations. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM CAT (13:00 GMT).
Battle of the Bottom Dwellers
This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. Both Power Dynamos and Rivers United have had identical starts to their group-stage campaigns: two matches played, two losses, zero points.
Power Dynamos have yet to find the back of the net, conceding four goals, while Rivers United have scored once and shipped five. The stark reality is that the loser of this tie will face an almost insurmountable task in qualifying for the knockout stages.
A draw, while avoiding a third consecutive loss, would do little to aid either side’s ambitions. The urgency is palpable, and the atmosphere in Ndola is expected to be tense as the home side looks to leverage their domestic form on the continental stage.
Team News and Tactical Outlook
Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa faces one enforced change, with midfielder Samba Bakolele ruled out due to an injury sustained in a recent training session. Despite this setback, Mutapa is confident that the squad’s robust domestic form—leading the Zambian league table—will translate into a positive result.
The team is expected to adopt an attacking approach, aiming to exploit the home advantage and break their goal drought.
For Rivers United, technical manager Finidi George understands the gravity of the situation. He has emphasized the need for focus and resilience from his squad, viewing the match not just as a game, but as a potential turning point in their campaign.
United’s challenge will be navigating a hostile environment and finding a way to breach a disciplined Dynamos defence. The Port Harcourt-based side is expected to be more cautious, likely employing a counter-attacking strategy to capitalize on any potential errors by the home team.
Prediction: A Tense, Low-Scoring Affair
Analysts expect a tight, low-scoring game. Power Dynamos are considered slight favorites due to their strong home record and the psychological boost of leading their domestic league.
Rivers United’s struggles to score in away continental matches further reinforce this view.
The match is unlikely to be a classic, but its tactical battle and high stakes ensure it will be a captivating contest for fans of both sides.
