Power Dynamos have become the first Zambian club to reach the CAF Champions League group stage since Zesco United in 2019, defeating Ugandan champions Vipers SC 3-2 on aggregate.
The Aba Yellow secured their historic qualification despite a tense 1-1 draw in the second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday, having won the first leg 2-1 away in Uganda.
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After a goalless first half, Power Dynamos emerged with renewed intent in the second period, searching for the cushion that would ease their path to the group stage.
Substitute Moses Shumah delivered the breakthrough in the 69th minute, latching onto the ball and firing into the top left corner to give Dynamos a commanding 3-1 aggregate lead.
However, the hosts were made to endure a nervy final 10 minutes when Vipers’ Karim Watambala capitalized on a defensive error to equalize and set up a tense finish. At that stage, just one more goal would have sent the tie to penalties.
Dynamos held firm to secure their place among Africa’s elite clubs.
The qualification marks a significant milestone for Power Dynamos, who last tasted continental glory when they won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991. The club has previously competed in the Champions League in 1998, 2001, and 2012, but all three campaigns ended in the qualifying rounds.
Malawi international forward Chifundo Mphasi was absent from the matchday squad for both legs against Vipers, having missed the last three matches due to injury. Despite his absence in the final round, Mphasi played a crucial role in Dynamos’ earlier victory over Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, which set up the meeting with Vipers.
Power Dynamos will now await the group stage draw, scheduled for November 3, 2025, where they will discover their opponents in the continent’s premier club competition.
The Aba Yellow faithful will be hoping Mphasi recovers in time to feature when the group stage begins, as Zambian football celebrates its return to the latter stages of Africa’s most prestigious club tournament.
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