Stage set for Power -Al Merrikh battle

The stage is firmly set at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola this Saturday as Zambian Super League powerhouse Power Dynamos welcome Sudanese giants Al Merrikh for the decisive second-leg encounter of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie. Kitwe's finest enter this crucial fixture looking to erase a narrow 1-0 deficit suffered during a tightly contested first leg, which saw the Sudanese side capitalize on home comforts while hosting matches away from their conflict-hit domestic base. With a spot in the next phase of Africa's premier club competition hanging in the balance, the atmosphere on the Copperbelt is charged with expectation as local fans rally behind 'AbaYellow'. Power Dynamos head coach Osward Mutapa has spent the week rallying his squad, emphasizing that the tie is far from over despite last weekend's setback. Addressing the media ahead of the clash, Mutapa maintained that his charges possess the technical quality, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude required to turn the fixture on its head. The technical bench has been working extensively on sharpening the team's attacking transitions, acknowledging that while defensive solidity kept them in the contest during the first leg, a lack of clinical finishing in the final third proved costly. Club captain Salulani Phiri echoed his coach's sentiments, noting that the players are fully aware of the heavy expectations resting on their shoulders. Phiri stressed that representing Zambia on the continental stage demands absolute resilience and character, urging his teammates to seize the home advantage. Analysts point out that while Al Merrikh may opt to adopt a conservative, defensive approach to protect their slender aggregate lead, Power Dynamos must find a delicate balance between aggressive attacking and tactical caution to avoid exposing themselves to dangerous counter-attacks. The fixture also serves as a critical litmus test for Zambian club football's aspirations on the continenta