Rangers progress in Confed Cup but Enyimba crash in Omdurman
Two Nigerian Professional Football League clubs, Enyimba FC and Enugu Rangers yesterday suffered contrasting fortunes in this year’s CAF club competitions.
While the two time African champions Enyimba FC crashed out of the CAF Champions League are losing 0-1 to Sudanese giants Al Hilal in Omdurman, Enugu Rangers defeated AS Pelicans of Gabon 3-1 at home to progress on 4-3 aggregate.
It will be recalled that 10-man Al Hilal had forced Enyimba to 0-0 draw in Aba to hand themselves the advantage going into the return leg in Omdurman.
Ahead of yesterday’s tie, Enyimba were confident of victory but Midfielder Mohamed Moussa Dai’s goal three minutes after the break was enough to take The Blue waves to the group stage for the first time since 2017.
However, Rangers who are now the only Nigerian club left in the continent recovered from an early setback at the ‘Cathedral’ to beat Pelicans 3-1.
The visitors drew the first blood as early as the 5th minute through Dertin Amores but 13 minutes later experienced campaigner Ifeanyi George restored parity for the ‘Flying Antelopes’.
The home side then took the lead five minutes into the second half courtesy of new boy Egbujuo Nnamdi’s goal before Ibrahim Olawoyin ensured victory for Rangers with the third goal in the 56th minute.
Rangers’ midfielder Tony Shimaga told Daily Trust that it was a hard earned victory.
He said Pelicans came fully prepared for Rangers but they were ready for them.
“It was a very difficult match. Our opponents gave us a run for our money. They tried to stop us but we were determined not to let our fans down.
“Even when we fell behind so early in the match, we remained confident that we were not going to lose the match.
“I am happy that we didn’t disappoint our teeming fans,” he said.