Nigerian Champions Enyimba FC bowed to a 4-3 result away to Al Ahli Benghazi in a 2023/2024 CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg clash, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The game started cautiously, but with their first attack of the match, Enyimba broke the offside trap, but Joseph Atule saw his shot parried by the goalkeeper Louhichi. The rebound was tapped into an empty net by Chijioke Mbaoma.
Enyimba was back a minute later as they broke through the Al-Ahly Benghazi defence, but Chijioke Mbaoma could not beat the goalkeeper. The usually reliable striker saw his shot parried for the first corner kick.
Al-Ahly got rewarded for their efforts as they got the equalizer in the eighth minute through Taktak. Olorunleke Ojo failed to reach a cross into his box, and Taktak nodded to bring matters level.
Enyimba FC left back Imo Obot diverted a cross into his own net ten minutes later to gift Al Ahli Benghazi a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half saw Enyimba trying the high press and forcing the home side into their box.
The home fans were making their voices heard at every opportunity.
After the fireworks of the first half, the second-half tempo of the Al=Ahly Benghazi Enyimba tie dropped considerably, with only Enyimba showing any sense of urgency.
After ten minutes, both sides cannot create any clear-cut chance, as Al-Ahly Benghazi showed Enyimba the defending to expect in the second leg.
The second half produced loads of action with Eze Ekwutoziam scoring 59th minute and Murphy Ndukwu cancelling Al Ahli Benghazi leads to put the score at 3-3 before a heartbreaking stoppage time winner for the hosts secured a 4-3 first leg result.
Nigeria’s second representatives in the CAF Champions League Remo Stars Sports Club also suffered defeat in Ghana but have a with decent chance for a turnaround in Ikenne following a 0-1 aggregate score vs Medeama FC.
