Zambia’s continental football campaign bursts into life this weekend, with Power Dynamos and Red Arrows stepping onto the African stage carrying more than club ambitions.
Power Dynamos, fresh from successfully defending their domestic crown, face a stern opening test against Sudanese giants Al Merrikh in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
The Kitwe side has already shown it can compete with Africa’s best, having reached the group stage last season, but coach Osward Mutapa knows there is little room for complacency.
Power begin their campaign away from home before returning to Zambia for the second leg, with Saturday’s first leg being staged in Kigali, Rwanda. A positive result there could put the Zambian champions in a strong position ahead of the return fixture.
For Red Arrows, the mission is equally significant.
The Airmen open their CAF Confederation Cup campaign at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium against Madagascar’s FC Rouge on Saturday. Having lifted the 2026 ABSA Cup after defeating Power Dynamos 2-0, Arrows enter the competition with confidence from a successful domestic campaign.
It promises to be a weekend of contrasting challenges as Power Dynamos chase another Champions League adventure, while Red Arrows begin their quest to make a mark in the Confederation Cup.
For both clubs, the clear objective is to represent Zambia and make the continent take notice.