Olisema the difference as Enyimba gain first leg advantage in CAF Confederation Cup

Enyimba took on Rivers United at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba in their second preliminary round first leg fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup. The home side ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a brilliantly worked second half goal.

The game started with both sides playing cautiously and nothing happened before the game was stopped by the centre referee in the 9th minute as a result of the heavy downpour in Aba. The game resumed about 20 minutes later, and Enyimba went into the ascendancy as they started getting into dangerous positions. Enyimba captain, Austin Oladapo forced Rivers United keeper, Theophilus Afelokhai into a sprawling save as his freekick looked destined for the net. Enyimba finally got their goal when their silky winger, Anayo Iwuala danced past a number of Rivers United challenges in front of their box and kept his feet to slip a ball through to Cyril Olisema who duly slotted into the bottom right hand corner of the Rivers United goal in the 60th minute. Enyimba striker, Tosin Omoyele received his marching orders in the 75th minute, causing his side to play with 10 men for the final 15 minutes. Combative midfielder, Anthony Omaka also picked up what seemed like a hamstring strain in time added on, causing Enyimba to finish the game with 9 men on the pitch, but they held on for the win.

Enyimba now have the advantage going into next Sunday’s second leg clash away from home at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt as they look to seal their place in the group stage of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.