Enyimba Win Shootout with Rivers Utd to Reach Group Stage
Enyimba cruised into the money-spinning group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup yesterday after defeating Rivers United FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The people’s Elephant of Aba were dragged into the shootout after the Pride of Rivers cancelled out Enyimba’s 1-0 edge from the first leg in regulation time.
Forward Fortune Omoniwari put Rivers United in front after 43 minutes of action.
Despite spirited fights from both teams, there were no more goals after that and the stalemate had to be decided on penalties.
Like Vincent Enyeama and Dele Aiyenugba have proved worthy goalkeepers for the Aba team in the past, John Noble also joined the list of eminent men between the sticks to save Enyimba blushes when it mattered most.
Noble saved two penalties before he scored in sudden death for the Aba club to edge past Nigeria other team in the competition.
Before the sudden death, Bamba scored for Rivers United to kick start the shootout. Cyril Olisema missed Enyimba’s first kick to give hope that the ticket to the group stage was coming to the Port Harcourt team.
Ifeanyi Amaenema made it 2-0 for Rivers United and then Samad Kadiri pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.
Kunle Odunlami’s kick for Rivers United was then saved by goalkeeper Noble.
Enyimba’s Anayo Iwuala drew the two-time African Champions League winners level at 2-2.
Hardworking Godwin Aguda made it 3-2 for
Rivers United while Obot Orok also scored for Enyimba to make it 3-3.
Goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai put Rivers United ahead 4-3 only for Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo to make it 4-4.
Goalkeeper Noble then saved the kick of Rivers
United Israel, before he scored his own penalty to ensure Enyimba’s passage to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.