Enyimba FC have emerged as the only Nigerian club left in continental competition this season after securing their spot in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, ended in a goalless draw, just like the first leg in Bamako, leading to the tense 3-2 shootout win for the People’s Elephant.
Enyimba showed immense composure under pressure, standing firm in defense throughout the match despite being unable to find the finishing touch in front of goal.
Their resilience paid off in the penalty shootout, where they converted three penalties, while Etoile Filante only managed to score twice.
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With this victory, Enyimba have advanced to the group stage and now aims to make history by becoming the first Nigerian team to lift the CAF Confederation Cup trophy.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers faced heartbreak in the CAF Champions League, exiting the competition after a 3-1 defeat to Angolan side Sagrada Esperança on Sunday.
Rangers, who had carried a one-goal lead from the first leg of the second-round qualifier, were eliminated with a 3-2 aggregate score, marking another disappointing campaign for the team, who have never reached the group stage of the competition in their four attempts since it got its new name.
Rangers trailed 2-0 during the first half in Luanda, and although Anayor Ogbonna’s goal before halftime leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, giving the Nigerians a temporary advantage on away goals, Sagrada Esperança found the back of the net again in the second half to secure their place in the next round.
With Rangers’ elimination, Enyimba now carries Nigeria’s hopes in continental football as they prepare for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will showcase their talent against top teams from across Africa.
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