Enyimba survive Red Arrows

Joetex Frimpong got the opener in the 17th minute through the penalty spot after a Zambian Defender handled the ball in the penalty area.

Enyimba after that had to wait for more than an hour before adding to Frimpong’s solitary strike.

Before that Eenyimba had fluffed a plethora of chances in the course of the game through the likes of Muri Ogunbuyi, Mutui Adegoke, Musa Aliyu, Prince Olomu and Emeka Akueme.

Emeka Akueme looked out of sorts and were duly replaced after the break by Atanda Shakibu.

Shakibu’s introduction brought some bite to the hitherto unimaginative frontline of Enyimba as the petit youngster tormented the Arrows defence.

First was his delightful one-two combination with Frimpong barely ten seconds after coming on and his terrific right foot volley which went inches wide on 59 minutes.

It wasn’t all enyimba though, as the Zambians also asked questions of the Enyimba backline anchored by Odeh Ogah and Yusuf Mohammed particularly in the 49th minute when Hanguyu Danny beat the offside trap but shot wide with Dele Aiyenugba displaced.

With the minutes ticking by, the Zambians grew in confidence settling down to their game and tightening the screw on Enyimba’s midfield.

Okey Emordi then took action, then took action, taking off Olomu for attack minded midfielder, Daniel Njoku who’s inclusion was to prove invaluable as his off the ball movement caused confusion in the Arrows box giving Shakibu space to sneak in and record Enyimba’s second goal two minutes into added time.

This goal demoralized the Zambians who had worked so hard to limit the Champions to just one goal and just one minute later, Frimpong sneaked behind the defence to get the third.

"We thank God for coming out victorious after the game," Okey Emordi said after the game.

Dolphin FC 2 (NIG) v ASEC Abidjan 0 (CIV)
A brace from Endurance Idahor ensured Nigerian champions Dolphin take a 2-0 lead to Abidjan for the return leg.

Both sides started the game brilliantly with the home side going adopting the offensive tactics instantly.

The home side got their deserved goal when Endurance Idahor volleyed home Chinwo's corner kick in the 16th minute.

Same player added the second with three minutes left on the clock to the delight of handful fans at the liberation stadium in Port Harcourt. 

*Additional report by Chigozie Chukwuleta in Aba