MTN Super League champions Power Dynamos have set an ambitious target of reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history as they prepare for a preliminary-round showdown against Sudanese giants Al Merreikh.
After making history by reaching the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time last season, Aba Yellow are determined to go one step further in the 2026/27 campaign.
Al Merreikh Challenge Awaits
Power Dynamos were drawn against Al Merreikh in the preliminary round of Africa’s premier club competition.
The Zambian champions will travel away for the first leg between 4 and 6 September, before hosting the return leg at Arthur Davies Stadium a week later.
Victory over two legs will see Power Dynamos progress to the final qualifying round.
Mutapa Focused on Preparation
Speaking to the club’s media, head coach Oswald Mutapa admitted that his technical team currently knows little about the Sudanese outfit but stressed that thorough preparation will be key.
“It’s all about preparation. Yes, playing against Al Merreikh, which we don’t know much about, but we have to find out what they have been doing the past two or three years and we’ll pick it from there,” Mutapa said.
The Power Dynamos boss revealed that analysing their opponents will be a major focus before the first leg.
Quarter-Finals the Target
Mutapa said the club’s objective is to improve on last season’s historic run by reaching the knockout stages.
“Our target, of course, is to do better than we did in the previous Champions League, which is to go a step further by going into the quarter-finals.”
He acknowledged the challenge ahead but believes the team can compete with the continent’s best.
“Yes, it won’t be easy because look at the teams that are there, but with preparation, which we are undergoing right now, we have to push and do better.”
Another Tough Test Could Await
Should Power Dynamos eliminate Al Merreikh, they will face either Algerian side JS Saoura or Guinean giants Horoya FC in the final qualifying round for a place in the group stage.
Those matches are scheduled for 16-18 October (first leg) and 23-25 October (second leg).
Conclusion
Power Dynamos are determined to continue writing new chapters in the club’s history after last season’s breakthrough campaign.
With a place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals now firmly in their sights, Aba Yellow know overcoming Al Merreikh will be the first major step towards achieving another historic milestone.
