Enyimba beat Rayon to reach CAF Confederation Cup semis
Enyimba are the first team to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup following a commanding 5-1 win over Rayon Sports at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba yesterday.
There were five different goalscorers for Enyimba in a convincing victory for the hosts in front of their home fans, following a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Kigali last weekend.
The Nigerian giants shrugged off a nervy start to ultimately cruise into the final four 5-1 on aggregate over two legs, and will now await to see who they come up against for a place in the final.
Stanley Dimgba opened the scoring for Enyimba as early as the 12th minute. The forward pounced on a defensive blunder before firing an expert finish into the back of the net to send the home fans into delirium.
Their joy, though, was short-lived as Rayon leveled matters against the run of play in the 25th minute through BonfilsCaleb Bimenyimana.
Enyimba regained their lead four minutes later as fullback Ikouwem Utin powered a left-footed shot into the back of the net to duly hand the Peoples' Elephant a narrow advantage at the interval.
Enyimba came out firing following the break and doubled their lead in the 48th minute as Dimgba teed up Sunday Adetunji for an easy finish following a devastating attacking move.
Joseph Osadiaye strengthened Enyimba’s grip on the hour mark as his deflected free-kick found the back of the net to ease tension in Aba.
The Nigerian giants made it five with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining. Isiaka Oladuntoye provided the cherry on the cake heading home after Abouba Bashunga had fumbled Osadiaye’s initial effort.