MFM Away Draw, A Good Omen For Their First Ever CAF Champions League Campaign

MFM FC of Lagos were held to a 1-1 draw by their hosts Real Bamako of Mali in the first leg of their preliminary round tie in the CAF Champions League on Sunday

The Olukoya Boys, playing their first-ever Champions League game, acquainted themselves well at the Stade Modibo Keita despite a bright start by their hosts and took a shock lead in the 15th minute through Nojeem Akinyemi.

The lead lasted only two minutes before Miakab Giscard levelled scores for the home team with a powerful header.

The visitors suffered a setback five minutes before the break when reliable forward Adekunle Adegboyega was substituted by Akuneto Chijoke due to injury.

Real Bamako piled on the pressure in the second half but Ospino Egbe stood firm in goal for the Nigeria Professional Football League runners-up from last season.

Dimunitive playmaker Chukwuka Onuwa was forced off in the 66th minute due to injury and was replaced by Ubamaka Peter.

Amadou Hiadara came close to scoring the winning goal for Real Bamako five minutes before the end of the game but his free header went off target.

The return fixture will come up in a fortnight at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
Nigeria’s other representative in the competition, Plateau United, defeated Eding Sports of Cameroon 3-0 in Jos on Sunday