Zambian champions Power Dynamos have been handed a challenging opening assignment in the 2026-27 CAF Champions League after being drawn against Sudanese giants Al Merreikh in the preliminary round. The draw has set up a two-legged contest that will require Power Dynamos to produce strong performances both away and at home. The first leg will take place away from home between September 4 and 6, before the Zambian champions welcome Al Merreikh for the return fixture a week later. The tie represents an early test of Power Dynamos’ ambitions on the continent as they look to build on their impressive campaign in the previous edition of the competition. Both clubs will be targeting progression to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Power Dynamos will travel to face Al Merreikh in the first leg during the September 4 to 6 window. Playing the opening match away from home presents a demanding challenge, particularly against an experienced Sudanese side with a strong continental reputation. The Zambian champions will need to remain organised and disciplined while looking for opportunities to score an important away result. Avoiding a heavy defeat would be particularly valuable ahead of the return fixture in Zambia. The first leg could therefore play a major role in determining the overall direction of the tie.
The return leg is scheduled to take place a week later, when Power Dynamos will host Al Merreikh. Having the second match on home soil could provide the Zambian champions with an important advantage, particularly if they manage to secure a positive result in Sudan. The home crowd could play a significant role in creating an energetic atmosphere and giving the team additional motivation. Power Dynamos will also have the opportunity to adjust their approach based on what happens in the opening match. The two-leg format means that every goal and every defensive decision could prove decisive over the course of the contest.
The winner of the Power Dynamos and Al Merreikh tie will progress to face either JS Saoura or Horoya FC in the pre-group stage. That round is scheduled for the October 16 to 18 window, with the return leg set for October 23 to 25. Reaching that stage would put Power Dynamos one step closer to securing another place among the continent’s leading clubs. The potential opponents also underline the level of competition awaiting the winner, as both JS Saoura and Horoya FC have experience in African club competitions. Power Dynamos will therefore need to overcome two demanding rounds if they are to reach the group stage again.
The draw comes after Power Dynamos enjoyed an impressive run in last year’s CAF Champions League. The Zambian champions managed to reach the group stage, giving the club valuable experience against some of the strongest teams on the continent. That campaign should provide the players and technical team with useful knowledge as they prepare for another continental challenge. Experience at the group stage can help a club understand the tactical demands, travel pressures and intensity associated with high-level African competition. Power Dynamos will hope to use the lessons from last season to make another strong push for continental success.
The club’s recent continental experience could prove especially important against Al Merreikh. Sudanese clubs have a strong history in African football, and Al Merreikh is one of the established names in the region. Power Dynamos will therefore need to approach the tie with confidence while maintaining concentration across both matches. The Zambian champions cannot afford to focus only on their home fixture because the first leg could establish a crucial advantage for either side. A balanced approach that combines defensive discipline with attacking ambition will be important throughout the two legs.
For Power Dynamos, the fixture also represents an opportunity to strengthen their reputation beyond Zambia. Success in the CAF Champions League provides clubs with exposure to a wider African audience and allows players to compete against high-quality opposition. Strong performances can also boost the profile of the club and its players while contributing to the growth of Zambian football on the continental stage. The team’s previous group-stage appearance demonstrates that Power Dynamos can compete at a high level when they perform consistently. Another successful campaign would further establish the club as one of Zambia’s leading representatives in African football.
The September fixtures will also give the Power Dynamos technical team an early opportunity to assess the squad against experienced continental opposition. Preparation will need to cover both the tactical and physical demands of the two-legged tie. Players will have to manage the pressure of an away match before quickly turning their attention to the return fixture in Zambia. The coaching staff will also need to study Al Merreikh carefully and identify areas where Power Dynamos can exploit weaknesses. Small details could make the difference in a tie where the margins between progressing and being eliminated are likely to be narrow.
The prospect of facing either JS Saoura or Horoya FC in October provides another incentive for Power Dynamos to overcome Al Merreikh. Both potential opponents would bring different tactical approaches and continental experience to the next stage. However, the Zambian champions must first concentrate fully on the preliminary-round tie before considering the next challenge. A strong performance against Al Merreikh would give the club momentum heading into the October fixtures. It would also demonstrate that last season’s group-stage appearance was not an isolated achievement.
The CAF Champions League remains one of the most demanding competitions in African club football, with teams from across the continent competing for the opportunity to establish themselves among Africa’s elite. For Power Dynamos, the route to the group stage will begin with a difficult test against Al Merreikh. The first leg away from home and the return fixture in Zambia will require careful preparation, tactical discipline and strong performances from the squad. The club already has the benefit of last season’s group-stage experience, which could prove valuable during the upcoming campaign. Power Dynamos will now look to build on that foundation and give Zambian football another strong continental showing.
The draw has given Power Dynamos a clear but demanding route into the next phase of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League. Al Merreikh stands between the Zambian champions and a potential pre-group-stage meeting with JS Saoura or Horoya FC. With the first leg scheduled for September 4 to 6 and the return match a week later, the club will have little room for error across the two fixtures. Their impressive run to the group stage last season provides reason for optimism, but the new campaign will require the team to start strongly from the opening match. Power Dynamos now have an opportunity to turn their recent continental experience into another memorable CAF Champions League campaign.