Dynamos advance in CAF Confederation Cup after resolute defence against ZESCO United

ZIMSPHERE

NDOLA, Zambia – Dynamos Football Club progressed to the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a disciplined defensive display earned them a 1-0 aggregate victory over Zambia's ZESCO United F.C. 

Dynamos stood firm in defence to register a victory against Zesco United [Image: NewZimbabwe.com]

The Zimbabwean side, returning to continental football for the first time since 2014, held ZESCO to a goalless draw in the second leg on Saturday, ensuring their slim advantage from the first leg was enough to see them through.

In the first leg, held at Gaborone National Stadium in Botswana, Tanaka Shandirwa's 31st-minute strike gave Dynamos a crucial lead. Despite relentless pressure from ZESCO in the return leg at Ndola's Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Dynamos' defence held firm, preventing the hosts from finding the back of the net.

The second leg saw ZESCO United come out aggressively, with the home side launching a series of attacks early in the first half. However, Dynamos' backline remained resolute, effectively neutralizing ZESCO's offensive efforts. 

The visitors, despite their defensive focus, struggled to create clear chances, with their first opportunity coming in the 27th minute when Temptation Chiwunga's shot narrowly missed the target.

As the match progressed into the second half, Dynamos began to assert themselves more, pushing forward and creating spaces to alleviate the pressure from ZESCO. 

Nevertheless, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the match ended in a goalless draw, securing Dynamos' advancement.

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Interim coach Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe attributed Dynamos' success to their solid defensive organization, which he singled out as the key factor that spurred the team's success in the tie against ZESCO.

"In both encounters, it was not easy coming face-to-face with the build of ZESCO players, but credit to the boys; they stuck to the game plan," Chigowe said after the match. 

"We enjoy this victory because we fought hard for it."

Chigowe also highlighted the importance of thorough preparation, noting that extensive information on ZESCO allowed Dynamos to effectively execute their defensive strategy. 

"What we worked on defensively was to deny them scoring opportunities. We had a lot of information on ZESCO, and we managed to do just that over the two legs," he added.

With this victory, Dynamos set up a first-round clash against Botswana's Orapa United.