Enyimba Begin Confederation Cup Group Campaign Against Ahli Benghazi
Nigeria’s sole surviving continental Campaigners and former champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Enyimba International FC will continue their quest for continental glory when they battle Libyan side Ahli Benghazi in their opening Group A match today
The match will hold at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba.
Enyimba qualified for the group stage of the CAF second tier club competition after seeing off fellow Nigerian side Rivers United on penalties in the preliminary stage .
They are paired in Group A alongside South African side Orlando Pirates , Algeria ’s ES Setif and Ahli .
Speaking with our correspondent on what to expect from the game , Enyimba coach , Fatai Osho , said his side were hoping to begin the group stage of the competition on a winning note.
“ This is not new to us, Enyimba are used to this level of competition. What is important now is for us to start very well . We are playing against a formidable side in Ahli Benghazi , they have been in the continent for some time now and they are here in the group stage. So, that tells a lot of experience on their part . We are going to approach the tie with all caution , we know it ’ s not going to be easy , we have to work very hard , our players have to up their game and start very well .
“ It is quite important that in every competition , you start very well . From there , you can start looking at what is obtainable ,” Osho told The PUNCH .
Midfielder Cyril Olisema told the club ’s website , “ It is going to be a vital game for us since it is the first group match . I think if you want to start good in any competition you have to win your first match , which will give you a lot of confidence to play the other games .
“ I have watched some of their videos , the past matches they have played. I think they are a very good side and as a North side , we are not going to underrate them because it ’ s going to be a very tough game, so we are going to come out fully for them .”
Setif host Pirates in Ghana because of Algerian coronavirus regulations , in the other Group A tie today