Enyimba FC of Aba has been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup tournament following a defeat to Egyptian outfit Zamalek in Cairo, Egypt, in the final round of the Group C game.
The defeat means that Enyimba, the last remaining Nigerian club in the CAF tournament this season, will not be advancing to the quarterfinals.
Zamalek broke through Enyimba’s defense after an amazing strike from Mostafa Shalaby, holding a 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, Seifeddine Jaziri scored a brace in the early and late minutes, extending the Egyptian lead to three goals. However, Enyimba managed to score in between, reducing the deficit to 3-1 by the end of regular time.
In the five group games, Enyimba defeated the Black Bulls of Mozambique both home and away but failed to secure three points away, even in Aba, Abia, against Zamalek and Al Ahly, who finished top of the group. The People’s Elephant lost both their away games to Zamalek and Al Ahly in Egypt and were disappointing with draws in Nigeria against both Egyptian clubs.
Nigeria Professional Football League champions Enugu Rangers and runner-up Remo Stars were eliminated from the CAF Champions League in the preliminary rounds.
This poor run of Nigerian clubs in the continental tournaments extends the country’s struggles. Since Enyimba last won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004, no Nigerian club has lifted either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup.
