Enyimba of Aba failed to recover from pre-match hitches that saw them complain about COVID-19 checks, a sordid reception and poor accommodation offered them on arrival in Algeria, as The Peoples’ Elephant fell to ES Setif in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup fourth group match.
Megasportsarena.com reports that the Aba-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) giants fell off top spot in their group, following a huge a 3-0 loss to the Algerian club at May 8 1945 Stadium, where Amir Karaoui put the hosts ahead in the 31st minute after he was teed up by Ahmed Kendouci.
Mohamed Amoura doubled their advantage late in the first half, after which the hosts scored their third goal of the game through Akram Djahnit, who slotted home from the spot in the 65th minute and he could have completed a brace 10 minutes from time, but had another penalty saved.
The win over Enyimba keeps Setif’s qualification hopes alive, equaling Ahly Benghazi’s tally of four points and revived their quarter-final target, though they remain bottom of Group A, while Enyimba dropped to second with six points, two behind leaders Orlando Pirates of South Africa, who won 3-0 earlier in the day against the third placed Sudanese side.
Coach Fatai Osho’s side entered the match confident after their impressive 2-1 comeback in the reverse fixture a week ago. The gaffer also retained the same team that defeated the Algerian team in Aba, Abia state.
Austin Oladapo led the midfield yet again as Dare Ojo lost his starting berth to Dare Olátúnjí, while Anthony Omaka returned to the base of the midfield ahead of Farouk Mohammed.
Tosin Omoyele and Anayo Iwuala maintain their partnership upfront while Kadiri Samad was replaced by Cyril Olisema for the two-time CAF Champions League winners, who will take on Al Ahly Benghazi in the next fixture on April 21.
