Nigeria surviving representative in Africa continental football, Enyimba FC will chase an upset win over hosts Raja Casablanca when the teams meet for the second leg of their 2018 CAF Confederation Cup semifinal tie on Wednesday, 24 October at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
The Moroccan side come into the match holding all the cards: not only will they have home advantage, but they also boast a 1-0 lead from the first leg at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on October 3.
Abdelilah Hafidi scored the only goal of the game as the Green Eagles secured a vital victory. They are looking to advance into their first continental final since winning the CAF Cup (the predecessor to the Confederation Cup) back in 2003.
The People’s Elephant will have the odds stacked against them as they chase a first CAF club final since winning the Champions League for the second successive year back in 2004.
Enyimba head coach, Usman Abdallah, is confident his side can claim a place in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of Raja Casablanca despite going down to a 1-0 defeat in Aba in the first leg of their semi-final fixture.
Despite the enormity of the task before his side, Abdallah is adamant they can turn the table against the North Africans.
“We didn’t have enough time to rest before the first leg due to our participation in the Aiteo Federation Cup which affected our performance,” Abdallah told reporters ahead of the game.
“But things are quite different this time around as all the players have had enough rest since the first leg and are fired up for the game.
“Now we are focused on the game on Wednesday. It is going to be a difficult encounter but i can confidently say we are ready for the task.
“I know a lot of believe the tie is over after what happened in the first leg but we are going to prove them wrong. We will fight hard to prove our doubters wrong.
“Now we know the Raja team better than before and we are also working on certain tactical strategies that will give us victory in the game. We will do everything we can to make Nigeria proud.”
Enyimba preparations for the game have been boosted by the return to full fitness of the duo of goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai and Ifeanyi Anaemena.
Ghanaian goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda has also returned to the team following his suspension due to disciplinary issues.
Gabonese referee Eric Otogo-Castane will take charge of the match in Casablanca. The aggregate winners will advance into next month’s final against either Egypt’s Al Masry or DR Congo giants AS Vita.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
