Former African champions, Enyimba FC on Sunday defeated arch rivals, Rivers United 1-0 in the first leg of the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup playoff decided at the Aba Township stadium.
Although the ‘peoples elephants’ were reduced to 10-men in the 75th minute, they stood firm to pick the crucial victory.
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Buoyed by Governor Nyesom Wike’s donation of a luxurious bus and pledge of N20m for them to beat their opponents, Rivers United confidently set off proceedings in Aba but their host wasted no time in seizing the initiative from them.
However, before both sides could settle into the contest, there was a heavy downpour that forced the match to a halt momentarily.
When play resumed, Imo Obot’s free kick caused problems in Rivers United box but they succeeded in getting the ball out before their danger man Godwin Aguda’s effort was cleared at the other end.
Towards the end of the half, Enyimba’s big moment came as Austin Oladapo’s vicious free kick forced Theophilus Afelokahi into a save and the resultant corner kick was narrowly headed wide by Tosin Omoleye.
Enyimba ended the half the stronger of the two and on resumption, they continued to pile pressure on Rivers United defence and their efforts paid off in the 59th minute when Cyril Olisema gave them the lead.
Then came the straight red card for Omoleye in the 75th to reduce Enyimba’s attacking force.
However, the ‘People’s elephants’ inspired by captain Oladapo held on to take the first leg advantage.
Rivers United who put up a good fight in Aba still have a chance to reach the group stage when they host Enyimba in the return leg on February 21 in Port-Harcourt.
The overall winners of this matchup will advance to the money-spinning stage of the Confederation Cup.
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