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CAF Confederation Cup

DEFENCE-MINDED ENYIMBA DROPS TO 3RD; LOSE TO PARADOU IN CONFEDERATION CUP DUEL

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A second half strike from Abdelkader Ghorab was enough for Algerian newcomers Paradou to beat visiting Enyimba of Nigeria 1-0 on Sunday in Blida, for their first win at this stage.

 

Ghorab capitalized on a blunder by Enyimba defender Abiodun Adebayo to score the only goal of the Group D Day Three encounter, and turn around the fortunes of the Blue and Yellow.

It was also the first time Paradou had found the back of net at the group stage, a period lasting 244 minutes stretching over three games.

Paradou, founded in 1994, leapfrogs to second on the log with four points, three shy of leaders Hassania Agadir of Morocco.

Enyimba drops to third on three points whilst Ivorian debutants San Pedro occupy the depth of the standings with two points from three games.

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It was a vital victory for the Algerians who head into the second round of matches in pole position to qualify to the last eight.

Enyimba, two-time African champions gave their host a good run for their money as their rich experience was telling in their game.

However, attacking duo Victor Mbaoma and Cyril Olisema rarely threatened the Paradou rear during a balance first half which fail to produce a clear cut goal scoring chance from either end.

The homers resumed stronger and five minutes after the break captain Mustapha Bouchina fired a low shot which Enyimba goalie Stanley Nwabali collected calmly.

The deadline was broken on 64 minutes when Adebayo’s poor first touch fell to Ghorab, who slotted past Nwabali to break Paradou’s goal duck.

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The homers nearly doubled the lead on 75 minutes but Nwabali scored full marks coming off his line to deny substitute Ghiles Guenaoui after Yousri Bouzok had put him through.

Paradou kept the visitors backline but had to settle for the lone goal victory after unsuccessful attempts to add to the score line.

The Blue and Yellow travel to Aba in a fortnight for the reverse fixture as the battle for a place at the next stage gathers momemtum.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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CAF Confederation Cup

‘Nzogbu Nzogbu’ Enyimba enyi as Enyimba limp into Confederation Cup Group stage!

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It was not easy, but the end justified the means. Enyimba had to go through the lottery of penalty shoot-out to get into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday in Uyo after playing a barren draw with visiting Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso.

 The first leg also ended goalless leading to penalty shoot-out as tie breaker. Enyimba won 3-2 on penalties.

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CAF Confederation Cup

CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba target victory after Solid Showing in Bamako

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Enyimba FC head coach Yemi Olarenwaju has set his sights on securing a crucial victory in Sunday’s second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup tie against Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou.

His confidence is built on the  goalless draw in the first leg in Bamako.

“The job is far from over, and we can’t afford to celebrate yet. The return leg in Uyo will be crucial,” Olarenwaju was quoted by the club’s website as saying.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board, work harder, and prepare for the challenge ahead.”

Olarenwaju praised his team’s tactical edge and discipline, which nullified the hosts’ attacking threats. “We had a clear game plan, and the players executed it perfectly. Our tactical discipline prevented Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou from creating any meaningful scoring opportunities.”

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The Enyimba FC boss acknowledged the tough opposition but remains confident in his team’s ability to secure a win at home.

“Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou is a formidable opponent, but we have the quality and determination to get the job done in Uyo.”

As we look forward to the return leg, we urge all Enyimba FC fans to come out in their numbers and support the team at the Uyo Stadium. Let’s make our home advantage count and cheer the People’s Elephant to victory!

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CAF Confederation Cup

Enyimba’s midfielder, Daga confident of Confederation Cup group stage ticket

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Enyimba’s midfielder,  Daniel Daga, has pledged to lead club to victory against Etoile Filante in the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second round on Sunday.

The People’s Elephant are looking to build on their impressive performance in the first leg, which ended in a goalless draw in Bamako, Mali. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Enyimba were unable to find the back of the net.

However, Daga remains optimistic about their chances in the return leg having missed the first leg of the encounter due to a slight knock

“Our resolve is to win and advance to the group stages,” he stated confidently. “We understand that they are a difficult opponent, but we have just one task, which is to win, and that is exactly what we are going to do.”

A win for Enyimba FC would guarantee their spot in the group stages, a feat that would make them the only Nigerian team in the competition’s group phase.

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“We know the importance of this match, and we’re ready to give it our all,” Daga added. “We want to make Nigeria proud and show that we’re a force to be reckoned with in African football.”

Head coach, Yemi Olarenwaju, has been fine-tuning his tactics, and the team is eager to execute their game plan.

“The first leg result gives us an advantage, but we won’t take anything for granted,” Olarenwaju said. “We’ll push for victory and secure our spot in the group stages.”

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