Dolphin through to Champions League 1st round

Dolphin line up for battle in Malabo
Despite the loss, Dolphin still qualifies on 3-1 aggregate after a 3-0 win in the first leg in Port Harcourt.

The match played at the jam packed stadium which looked more like a sand filled rather than a football pitch, saw Dolphin taking control of proceedings from the blast of the whistle, but missed lots of scoring chances through Kelechi Osunwa, Jacob Aikhionbare and Ochuko Ojobo

The sandy pitch at the Estadio La Paz in Malabo

After a goaless first half Renacimiento got into the game in the second half but also could not utilize their chances as keeper Austin Brown of Dolphin stopped every ball that came in his direction.

With just three minutes to go, Lawrence Doe won a corner kick for the home side which was converted for the only goal of the match.

Dolphin started the game without Victor Ezeji who’s muscle strain reoccurred in Malabo while, Endurance Idahor had to sit out the game as his licence failed to come from CAF after a late clearance from Julius Berger of Abeokuta.

Kelechi Osunwa, who was tormentor in Chief for Dolphin told nigeriasports.com immediately after the match that it was unfortunate they lost but will keep their heads up as they lie in wait for Accra Hearts of Oak.

“That goal just came when fans were leaving the stadium thinking it was a drawn game. We lost concentration and I missed lots of scoring chances but those things come with the game and we will learn from our mistakes.”

"A lot of people thought we would be knocked out early but we have at least shamed them and now we can really go all the way"

Club Secretary exonerates club from licence scandal

Meanwhile, Secretary of the club, Fatai Olayinka told nigeriasports.com that the club is not to blame for the scandal which led to Endurance Idahor sitting out the match more than two weeks after his licence should have returned to the club from the Confederation of African Football, CAF.

“The problem has been solved already, though it was quite unfortunate that we could not use a player like Endurance who had prepared so hard for the match.”

Dolphin Club Secretary, Fatai Olayinka

“CAF failed to send our licence to Nigeria before we left for Malabo on Thursday but now we hope that by the time they send licences for Rangers, Insurance and Enyimba, we would get those we are waiting for”