Enyimba got off to a winning start in the CAF Confederation Cup group phase on Wednesday.
In Aba against Ahli Benghazi, they used their experience to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win that sees them start on a strong footing.
Enyimba’s opening goal was scored by impressive skipper Augustine Oladapo after the 10th minute but they allowed Ahli Benghazi into the game with an equaliser from Abdallah Imhamed before Victor Mbaoma popped up with the winning goal.
The Enyimba coaching team led by Fatai Osho went with the tried and tested in their starting line with their defence marshalled by Nelson Ogbonnaya.
In the midfield and on the attack, they went with the likes of Oladapo, Anthony Omaka, Obi Samson and Mbaoma and the move worked.
The first notable chance of the match came for Enyimba after they managed to penetrate the Ahli Benghazi defence through Oladapo.
In the 10th minute, Oladapo won’t be denied as he fired an unstoppable drive to the back of the net. The keeper was in no man’s land.
The early goal sparked Ahli Benghazi into action and they responded with the leveler after Omaka committed a foul in the box.
Imhamed stepped forward to deliver the goods from the penalty spot on 18 minutes.
The game continued with both teams trying to be on the ascendency.
Shortly before the break, Enyimba were in front through Mbaoma who capitalised on the gaffe of the keeper to score.
Enyimba returned with more purpose from the break as they forced Ahli Benghazi onto the back foot.
Anayo ran through the flank but Mbaoma’s contact with the cross feel short some minutes after the hour mark.
The People’s Elephants will face Orlando Pirates next Wednesday.
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