Nigeria’s sole representative in continental interclub competitions, Enyimba FC, endured a frustrating evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Masry SC in a crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter.
The former CAF Champions League winners came into the match needing a victory to leapfrog Al-Masry into second place in the group standings.
However, the visitors made an early statement, with Mohamed Hashem breaking the deadlock in the 8th minute, stunning the home crowd.
The Egyptian side's disciplined defensive structure frustrated Enyimba, who struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.
The hosts came out stronger after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 48th minute when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele rose highest to nod home a brilliant header, bringing Enyimba level.
The equalizer injected life into the game, with both sides pushing for a winner.
Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Ani Ozoemena, emerged as a hero, producing two crucial saves to keep his side in contention.
First, he made a stunning point-blank save in the 50th minute before denying Al-Masry from the penalty spot 18 minutes later, preserving the stalemate.
Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, Enyimba could not find the decisive goal.
Enyimba's hopes hanging on thin thread
The result leaves the Aba side in third place with five points from five matches, trailing second-placed Al-Masry, who have six points.
Meanwhile, in the group’s other fixture, Zamalek secured a commanding 3-1 away win over Black Bulls Maputo, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches and solidifying their top spot with 11 points.
For Enyimba, the path to qualification has become a daunting task.
They must now defeat Zamalek away in Cairo on Sunday and hope that Al-Masry fail to secure maximum points against Black Bulls Maputo.
Even with a victory against Zamalek, Enyimba’s fate remains out of their hands, as Al-Masry would advance with a win in their final group game.
The draw in Uyo has put the former Nigerian champions in a precarious position, with their CAF Confederation Cup hopes hanging by a thread heading into the final round of group-stage matches.
