Enyimba Football Club of Nigeria has taken a crucial step towards advancing to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after holding hosts Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the second preliminary round.
The match was played in Bamako, Mali, on September 13, 2024.
The Nigerian team, two-time CAF Champions League winners, showed resilience and determination in the face of a hostile crowd, denying the Burkinabe side any scoring opportunities.
The draw gives Enyimba a significant advantage going into the second leg, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Nigeria, next weekend.
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A victory for Enyimba in the return leg will secure their spot in the group stage of the competition, a feat they last achieved in 2016.
Enyimba held Angolan side Etoile Filante to a stalemate today away from home
The team’s coach has praised his players for their discipline and hard work, saying, “We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we prepared well and executed our game plan perfectly.”
Enyimba’s success in the CAF Confederation Cup is a proof of the growing strength of Nigerian football, which has seen several teams make significant progress in continental competitions in recent years.
The team’s fans will be eagerly awaiting the second leg, hoping to see their side take a step closer to glory.
In other news, Enugu Rangers, another Nigerian team, left it late to edge their CAF Champions League playoff match, while NPFL Player of the Week, Rabiu Ali, continues to impress at 43.
Meanwhile, El Kanemi Cup-winning coach Aliyu Zubairu has emerged as the new favorite to lead the Flying Eagles.
The second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup match between Enyimba and Etoile Filante promises to be an exciting encounter, with Enyimba looking to capitalize on their away draw and secure a spot in the group stage.
