Power Dynamos Football Club have moved to third place with 26 points from second place in the Zambian Premier League after today’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Zanaco FC.

The ‘Aba Yellow’ started the match on the front foot and created several clear-cut chances in the opening half but failed to utilise them.

Ishmael Eddie Ankobo came close to scoring after connecting well to a Frederick Mulambia cross but sent his effort wide. As the game progressed, Daniel Adoko also failed to hit the target after being set up by Ankobo.

Despite the good play in the first half, the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0–0. Coach Osward Mutapa made changes in the second half, introducing Moses Shumah and Brian Masanyinga in place of Eddie Ankobo and Daniel Adoko as Power Dynamos searched for a breakthrough. However, it was Zanaco who struck late in the contest.

In the 81st minute, Lambert Araina capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to score the decisive goal.

Power Dynamos had an opportunity to equalise shortly after, but Moses Shumah sent his effort over the bar. Further substitutions saw Innocent Kashita, Ronel Manyanga and Salulani Phiri replace Fredrick Mulambia, Prince Mumba and Chifundo Mphasi.

Goalkeeper Josephat Lilanda produced a fine late save to prevent Zanaco from doubling their advantage and four minutes of added time were not enough for the defending champions to find a response as the match ended 1–0 in favour of the hosts.

Speaking after the match, Coach Osward Mutapa expressed his disappointment with the result, saying, “we didn’t create enough chances today; there was a lack of creativity.”

However, he remains confident in the team’s prospects.

“This is a marathon, don’t rule us out yet. We are still the champions,” he emphasised.

With the league heading into recess, the team will not return to competitive action until next year.