Enyimba now have a mountain to climb to overturn a 3-0 deficit they suffered at Al Merriekh of Sudan today if they were to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
The two-time African champions will have to blame a shaky defence and no cutting edge in attack for the loss in Sudan no thanks to the absence of star striker Victor Mbaoma.
‘The People’s Elephant’ defence was punished thrice after schoolboy mistakes.
They let in two goals in the first half.
In the second half, Enyimba chased the game, but against the run of play the home team increased their lead in the closing minutes of this encounter with a glancing header from inside the six-yard box.
All three goals were scored by top scorer Saif Terry in the sixth, 44th and 90th minutes.
The return leg is in a fortnight with the overall winners advancing to the money-spinning group stage of the Champions League, while losers drop to the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup.
Enyimba Starting XI: 21 Bassa Djeri – 22 Stephen Manyo,3 Daniel Darkwah,5 Hassan Abubakar, 6 Nabil Yarou, 8 Farouk Mohammed (Captain), 28 Dayo Ojo,16 Philip Ozor, 13 Sadiq Abubakar, 17 Anayo Iwuala, 7 Samson Obi
SUBSTITUTES: 12 Olufemi Kayode,23 Stanley Okorom,18 Abiodun Adebayo,30 Dare Olatunji, 26 Austin Oladapo,19 Orok Gabriel,11 Tosin Omoyele
