Power Dynamos have nothing to lose, says Oliveira

The two sides shared a 2-2 draw in their first meeting at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on September 16, following Simba SC's late equalizer from Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama.

Simba SC head coach Roberto Oliveira, alias Robertinho, has expressed satisfaction over his charges after last week's victory in the 2023/24 NBC Premier League which has boosted morale ahead of the continental showdown's return leg.

"We have started with a special program for all players by dividing them into two groups, but in general we have started to prepare for our return game, we want to see that we enter the group stage and achieve our objective," the Brazilian tactician disclosed.

Robertinho pointed out: "Once you have a breather in a league match, it sets a new morale and mindset heading into a continental tier, we missed several chances against Dynamos in the first match but had a comfortable win against Coastal Union, although the second leg is going to be a very difficult game because they have nothing to lose."

Opponents Power Dynamos’ recent form in the Zambia Super League is two wins, a draw in three ties, and no loss, with their weekend league match against Zesco United culminating in a 2-2 draw.

The Brazilian tactician said that their opponents are not a weak team and they will come out strong to try to force either a win or a draw that is beneficial for them.

"The game will not be easy, but I have faith in my players even though I will miss Henock Inonga, but the rest can give me what I want and what the fans are waiting for," the gaffer noted.

Simba SC defender, Henock Inonga, suffered a grievous injury during the outfit's league game against Coastal Union and is expected to be out for two weeks.

Another Simba SC player out is Ivorian midfielder Aubim Kramo who has been battling injuries since he arrived at the club.

Despite recent news, Robertinho said he has been pleased with his team's performance in the recent league match against Coastal Union after utilizing several chances to register a 3-0 win over the latter, stressing the displays ought to be continuous against Dynamos.

"We have to be clinical, goals are what matters in this fixture, I know the confidence is high after a 3-0 victory, especially for Jean Baleke after facing criticism in the first leg, other players can pick it from there but also defensive wise we have to focus on collective discipline," Robertinho noted.

Che Fondoh Malone is part of the team's training after the 24-year-old Cameroon international miraculously escaped serious injury, having been involved in a dramatic car crash that occurred around Mikocheni in Dar es Salaam at the break of dawn on Sunday.

The blow to Simba SC's defensive lineup leaves the team in a challenging position as the squad strives for continued success in the league.

Malone, who previously served Cameroon’s Coton Sport, is set to partner with Kennedy Juma, who has been coming in for Inonga in the latter’s absence this season.