CAF Champions League: Enyimba go for broke in Mali

Two-time African champions, Enyimba, will have their hands full this weekend as they face AS Real Bamako in a make-or-mar tie after a 1-2 defeat in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first round game.
Enyimba need two unreplied goals or higher goal margin such as 3-1 or 4-1 to turn the tables against the Malian side and progress to the next stage of the competition.
Poor goalkeeping by Femi Thomas largely contributed to Enyimba's home defeat aside the wasteful attack which failed to maximally convert several scoring chances that came the way of the Nigerian team.
Perhaps, the job of Coach Zachary Baraje with his assistant, Imama Amapakabo is on the line and only the qualification of Enyimba in Mali will give some respite..
Enyimba boss, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu believes his team could create an upset in Mali on Saturday.
“No doubt, it was painful to lose at home in front of our supporters but I see the hunger in my players to turn the tables in the return leg. It would have been better had the game had ended in a draw. Surely, it is now very difficult but not impossible for us to get the result in Mali to remain in the competition,” Agwu, who led Enyimba to the 2003 and 2004 CAF Champions League triumphs.
Sibi Gwar had scored Enyimba's lone goal before the Malians equalised through Mocter Mohamed Cisse in the 65th minute and the winner through Amadou Samake in the 74th minute.
Already, AS Real Bamako coach, Nouhome Diane knows the pedigree of Enyimba that the battle is not lost and won yet.
Diane said in Aba after their victory that they will play return leg tie on a clean slate adding that it will not going to be a formality match for his wards in Bamako.
Meanwhile, Warri Wolves after a 3-2 victory over Union Douala in Cameroon will settle their differences in the CAF Confederation Cup. A draw will see Wolves through but the likes of Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Musa Najare, Oghenekharo Etebo and Azubuike Egwuekwe, among others will want to make it double and claim fat match bonus from the Davidson Owumi-led management.
Similarly, Bayelsa United after a barren draw at away will this weekend in Sapele face As Kondzo FC of Congo in a second leg tie of the Confederation Cup.


Caption: Sibi Gwar: Can he save Enyimba in Mali?