Nigerian club Enyimba conceded in added time to lose 4-3 at Libyan outfit Al Ahly Benghazi on Sunday in a CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg thriller.
Mbaoma Chijioke gave the visitors a great start by scoring after only three minutes, but the home team recovered to lead 2-1 at half-time after an Imoh Obot own goal.
Eze Ekwutoziam equalised just before the hour and, after Benghazi went ahead again, Murphy Ndukwu levelled on 85 minutes after Libyan goalkeeper Morad el Wheshy spilled a free kick.
But five minutes into added time, Benghazi snatched a narrow lead they will take to Aba in southeastern Nigeria for the return match on August 27.
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Expressing his thoughts on the match, Nwankwo Kanu, who is currently the Enyimba FC Chairman, emphasized the positives that emerged from the game.
“Our boys gave their all on the pitch today,” he shared via Enyimba FC’s club website. “They faced a formidable team and fought with determination and heart. The result might not have gone our way, but what matters is the effort and resilience shown by the boys,” Nwankwo stated. “They did well and I commend them.”
Further speaking on the game, Nwankwo’s positivity extended to the team’s outlook for the rest of the tournament.
The 47-year-old added: “With what we saw in this game, I’m confident we have what it takes to guarantee qualification when we play the return leg in Aba. In fact, the 4-3 scoreline means the second leg will be highly entertaining, something the fans back home would love to watch.”
