Two-time African champions Enyimba hope to make another history as the first Nigerian club to win the elusive CAF Confederation Cup, according to Man of the Match in a 1-0 win at Djoliba Theophilus Afelokhai.
Experienced goalkeeper Afelokhai pulled off several big saves to keep a clean sheet before Enyimba carried the day in Bamako with a last-minute penalty goal.
The seven-time Nigeria champions now have nine points from five matches, same as leaders CARA Brazzaville, who defeated Williamsville AC of Cote d’Ivoire 3-1.
They now host group leaders CARA Brazzaville on August 30 at home in a final group game.
Faruk Mohammed tucked away a 90th minute penalty for ‘The People’s Elephant’ after striker Sunday Adetunji was brutally hacked down inside the box on his way to goal.
Before that dramatic match winner, Enyimba goalkeeper Afelokhai was the Man of the Match after he pulled off several big saves to keep his team in this physical battle.
Afelokhai used his wealth of experience to keep out the rampaging Djoliba strikers as his team did enough not to concede any goal before they delivered the killer punch on the dot of full time.
“Our dream is to win the CAF Confederation Cup,” Afelokhai told SCORENigeria after his heroics against Djoliba.
“We now need to win our next game to qualify for the quarterfinals. It was not an easy game, we gave our best and that did not go to waste.
“We worked as one big family and we thank God for everything. This game meant a lot not just to Enyimba, but to the whole of Nigeria.
“We thank the fans for their support and prayers also.”
The former Kano Pillars shot stopper dedicated his Man of the Match award to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who had previously rewarded him with a special gift of $1,000 for a similar feat.
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