Enyimba book semi final place

Enyimba celebrates another place in the semi final

Enyimba became the first Nigerian side to qualify for a back to back semi final in the Caf champions league after forcing Bakili Bullets to a 1-1 draw in Blantyre on Saturday,Nigeriasports.com can report.

Spirited play from Onyekachi Okonkwo and Damien Udeh helped the people’s elephant escape a nervy and tension soaked encounter in Malawi.

The Nigerian side started pretty well and Okonkwo brought out the best in the Bullets goal keeper Lunda with a ferocious long drive in the 20 minute.

Ten minutes later,Nwana won a penalty for the holders- after his shot slightly glanced the hand of a Bullet defender and Angolan referee Eugene Colembi pointed to the spot.

Obinna Nwaneri shot wide the penalty in a bizarre manner- he was chosen to take the spot kick after he scored a penalty against Etoile du Sahel in Aba in September.

But five minutes later, Emeka Nwana eased the tension around the travelling Enyimba camp by putting the champions ahead - running into the left-hand side of the area and slotting the ball past Lunda after a good pass from Ezenwa.

The rest of the first half saw Enyimba losing ball in the middle while Jimmy Zakazaka continued to pile pressure on Opara and Nwaneri in the hearts of the holders defence.

The second half started with Bullets fluffing a great chance in the first minute of the second half.

Strikingly, Robert Ngami fires Bullets level from four yards out, slotting in a cross from the right by Kongowe in the 62nd minute.

Zakazaka should have buried the Aba side but twice his last touches failed him in the 65th minute.

Enyimba continued to live dangerously in the half as Enyeama was forced to make two decent saves to avert danger.

With six minutes left on the clock, fans of Bullets started a bizarre action by throwing stones and bottles from the terraces onto the pitch.

Game was delayed for 10 minutes as the referee waited for peace and match atmosphere to be restored.

"iziobu"

Enyimba made frantic efforts to get another goal but after seven minutes of added time, the defending champions held their heads high to book a place against Esperance of Tunisia.

Link | 2004-10-16 15:55
Gazzy (Isuochi, Abia State.)

To GOD be the glory for great things HE has doneeee....amennn ! Indeed it was Nzogbu Nzogbu Enyimba Enyi in far away Malawi this afternoon as the PEOPLES ELEPHANT really showed the cup holders stuff they're made of. I hope Sarahm is listening??
It was a match we needed to prove to our detractors that we r not AFRICAN CHAMPS by mistake.
UP ENYI of ABA ! UP ENYI of NIGERIA !!
I advice ESPERIENCE to beware of ENYI the ELEPHANT.
THANK YOU JESUS...victory is sweet indeed!

Link | 2004-10-17 10:09
WAHEED (Nigeria)

Yes, Enyimba are the real defending Champion. They played as if they were at home yesterday. If not that the pressure was too high on them they would have shown them who they are. But the Semi final against Esperance of Tunisia won't be a joke. We will surely qualify because it's been in the history of Champions League that Esperance will only reach semi final but not beyond that. God will surely lead us through to the Final and win the cup for the second time. Amen. Congratulation to the Aba Boys, Congratulation to the Nigerians and Congratulation to Gov. Uzor Orji Kalu of Abia State.
THanks.

Link | 2004-10-17 11:56
Kennice (Baltimore, Maryland USA)

Great NEWS indeed!! glad to hear that NIGERIAN Soccer is picking up power again.. I know we are a very capable nation, and that we have the talents that can make any opponents soak up on their urine, I've always known that what we miss is a level head and a supportive gesture from the government or sport ministery to keep the sparks coming abundantly.. Keep up the good work fellows!!!
God Bless Nigeria!!!!

Link | 2004-10-18 04:48
sarahm (malawi)

Gazzy so you still remember me right? all i can say is the game was ours especially in the second half all people who watched the game can concur with me that the game was ours the way the bullets played I say thumbs up to them, lucky enough am not disappointed the boys tried their best only that luck was not on their side. what I can advise Enyimba is I wasnt impressed with the way they played. Bakili Bullets are the new comers but look at the way they terrorised them. All I can say is work hard otherwise I cant see the cup going to Enyimba unless they improve. Congratulations all the same

Link | 2004-10-18 08:29
vitomania (anambra state)

This is no time for praises,what Enyimba need now is to go back and fashion out how best to handle an experienced side like esperance.
I advise my friend coach emordi to start strong and mobile players like Ezenwa,Ude,Tyakase,Nwaneri et'al in the first leg.
...so far,the peoples elephant have done well but let them know that the task ahead is more important and difficult than the ones they've crossed.

Link | 2004-10-20 16:27
Ahamefule Moses Okarah (ACIC, Abuja)

Well my good friend Sarahm, you did not say a big congratulations to me. All the same, Enyimba qualified for the semi finals, and i hope you will watch the finals, hohw the cup will be presented to enyimba?
Have a lovely day my friend.

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Enyimba book semi final place

Link | 2004-10-16 15:55 Gazzy (Isuochi, Abia State.)

Link | 2004-10-17 10:09 WAHEED (Nigeria)

Link | 2004-10-17 11:56 Kennice (Baltimore, Maryland USA)

Link | 2004-10-18 04:48 sarahm (malawi)

Link | 2004-10-18 08:29 vitomania (anambra state)

Link | 2004-10-20 16:27 Ahamefule Moses Okarah (ACIC, Abuja)