Enyimba head coach George Finidi failed to inspire Aba Elephants to a good result in the club’s first ever match in the inaugural edition of the African Football League.
Finidi’s attack overshadowed Wydad AC’s subdued performance in an important 1-0 away win over Moroccan side Enyimba in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. I watched as there was no room.
Enyimba’s long-awaited African Football League (AFL) debut ended in a disappointing result as George Finidi’s side stumbled to a determined Wydad AC side.
Wydad AC achieved a decisive away victory thanks to a brilliant penalty kick from captain Yahya Jabran.
GOAL! Yahya Jabrane scores from the spot
Enyimba 0-1 Wydad AC— African Football League (@afl_africa) October 22, 2023
Enyimba were far from their traditional home base in Aba and struggled to dominate the match in the crucial early stages.
However, Enyimba’s game plan was thrown in the trash when Wydad were awarded a penalty, which was cleverly converted by captain Jabran before the half-time whistle.
Enyimba’s Ekene Awajie almost equalized just after half-time but was denied by a tenacious Wydad goalkeeper, much to the dismay of the home fans.
Flying Eagles youngster Daniel Daga and midfielder Izuogu Chibueze had chances to equalize for Enyimba, but their efforts fell short.
Enyimba push for the equaliser but Izuogu Chibueze can’t find it!
Watch African Football League matches at https://t.co/DIk5JeITof 🔥 pic.twitter.com/82YiaqirGs < /p>
— African Football League (@afl_africa) October 22, 2023
So close! 16-year-old Daniel Daga almost levels the score for Enyimba
Watch live and replay at https://t.co/DIk5JeITof 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nlMh7Z74a2
— African Football League (@afl_africa) October 22, 2023
Despite their efforts to equalize, Enyimba’s tenacity was met with solid defending and a lack of precision in front of goal, making it a frustrating night for the Nigerian champions.
Enyimba finished the game with 10 men when Somiari Araribo was shown a red card for a professional foul in stoppage time. Araribo is the first player to be sent off in the AFL.
Looking ahead, Enyimba will need a significant change of direction to maintain his AFL ambitions as he prepares for the return leg against Wydad AC at Casablanca’s Stade Mohamed V. We know it is necessary and we face an uphill battle.
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In another result, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns faced Angola, defeating Petro de Luanda 2-0.
Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly held Simba SC to a 2-2 draw in Tanzania.
The first leg round in #AFL has spoken. 👀
See the results as we laid the foundation for an inspiring journey! 🔥#CAF | #FIFA Image . twitter.com/qF5gTBz8oo
— African Football League (@afl_africa) October 22, 2023
TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo narrowly defeated Tunisia’s Esperance 1-0 in the quarterfinals, earning their only home victory.
