A Victor Mbaoma’s brace in either side of half time was not enough to send Enyimba FC of Nigeria into the 2020/2021 group stage of Total CAF Champions League.

The all-importantant match ended 2-1 in favour of the Nigerian side.

Two weeks ago, the first leg was decided in Omdurman where a Saif Terry’s hat-trick condemned the People’s Elephants to their exit from the competition, a result which really inflicted a seemingly irreparable damage coming into the 2nd leg.

Playing in front of a handful of spectators in Aba, a decision which was being influenced by the ongoing 2nd wave of the covid 19 pandemic, it was the visitors who drew the first blood as early as 8 minute into the game, thanks to the technically gifted Malian striker, Saif Terry the hattrick hero in Omdurman, as he raced down from the middle of the park, and expertly faked his way pass Timothy Danladi only to be left one on one with Kayode Olufemi in goal for Enyimba, the gifted striker calmly slotted home from close range.

Their lead was shortlived as a Stanley Okorom’s 14 minute freekick from the right side of the park was parried away, but not to safety by the Al Merrikh goalkeeper only for the on rushing Mbaoma to finsih from close range.

Thee first half eventually ended in a 1 all draw even as the host dominated proceedings trying to reduce the deficit but a disciplined Al Merrikh defence line curtailed their efforts.

The People’s Elephants came out surging in the 2nd half, and their determination paid off just 3 mins into the restart as Samad Kadiri was fouled inside the 18 yard box after a launched back ball by stanley Okorom, Mbaoma stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to hand Enyimba a 2-1 lead.

The game wore on and Enyimba knowing full well its a herculean task for them, they pressed so hard, asking questions inside Al Merrikh’s 18 yard box. Samad Kadiri came agonizingly close to making it 3-1 for the host as his close range shot was expertly parried to safety by the Al Merrikh goalkeeper who looked so confident throughout the duration of the game.

All further efforts for the hosts to cancel the deficit eventually yielded no dividends as the centre referee blew the final whistle at the end of the 6 minutes additional time. The North Africans progressed to the group stage, thanks to a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.

Enyimba now settle for life in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Report by Gospel Lekams (in Aba)