CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba grab late win in Senegal

Enyimba defeated Dimbars FC of Senegal 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup fixture.

The People’s Elephant left it late before picking the maximum three points at the Stade Lat Dior.

Finidi George, former Super Eagles midfielder, was appointed Enyimba’s coach last month, and he vowed to return the club among the best teams on the continent.

The 50-year-old made his intentions known with a tailored starting line-up, opting for Olorunleke Ojo in goal ahead of John Noble.

He also started with Samuel Kalu and Victor Mbaoma as double strikers upfront.

Enyimba, though, looked hapless despite the tactical tweak, failing to register a shot on target throughout the first half.

The game didn’t change until Finidi made a few changes to the attacking edge of the team.

Cyril Olisema replaced Kalu, and Emeka Obioma came on for Mbaoma while Esobe was substituted for Orok. The latter immediately made his presence felt as he sent a curler from outside the box, but it drifted just past the goal.

The goal came in the 84th minute after Orok was upended inside the box, and Olisema made no mistake to ensure the reign of Finidi began on a victory note.

The reverse fixture will take place on October 24 at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

Bayelsa United, Nigeria’s other representative in the competition, will host Club Sportive Sfaxien of Tunisia at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Sunday.