CAF Confederation Cup
EGYPT’S PYRAMIDS EYEING FIRST-LEG ADVANTAGE OVER NIGERIA’S ENYIMBA
Pyramids are picking themselves up following a stunning Egyptian league defeat as they host Nigeria’s Enyimba in the first leg of the Confederation Cup quarters
Egyptian side Pyramids FC will be looking to secure a comfortable first-leg advantage when they host Nigeria’s Enyimba in the African Confederation Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Pyramids are eager to make up for last year’s agonizing defeat by Morocco’s RS Berkane in the Confederation Cup final, which left them waiting for their first piece of silverware.
The club have been spending big over the past few seasons after being bought by Arab Gulf investors, but they are still finding it difficult to challenge Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek for domestic honours.
But the Confederation Cup, Africa’s secondary club competition, represents a good chance for Pyramids to have a shot at what would be their first ever crown.
Pyramids have been inconsistent in the Egyptian Premier League lately, holding leaders Zamalek to a 1-1 draw and beating Wadi Degla 3-1 before suffering a stunning 4-2 loss to top-flight debutants Ceramica Cleopatra.
“We are seeking to get a good result in the home game that would help us continue our path towards the title,” the team’s Argentinean boss Rodolfo Arruabarrena told the pre-match news conference.
“We worked on getting the players mentally ready following the previous painful loss in the domestic league, which was the worst thing that happened to us this season.
“Enyimba have a strong frontline but we are keen to exploit their defensive problems,” he added.
Pyramids finished second in their group behind runaway leaders Raja of Morocco while Enyimba narrowly topped theirs ahead of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
Enyimba will miss suspended winger Anayo Iwuala and defender defender Nabil Yarou, who was unable to travel to Egypt due to passport issues. Pyramids have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
“It’s going to be a big match everybody knows that, pyramids FC over time they have really established themselves at the level of the continent and they are a formidable side any day any time,” Enyimba coach Fatai Osho said on the club’s official website.
CAF Confederation Cup
‘Nzogbu Nzogbu’ Enyimba enyi as Enyimba limp into Confederation Cup Group stage!
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.
CAF Confederation Cup
CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba target victory after Solid Showing in Bamako
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.”
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!
CAF Confederation Cup
Enyimba’s midfielder, Daga confident of Confederation Cup group stage ticket
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.
“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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