Enyimba thrash Ajax 2-0

NIGERIA’S Enyimba of Aba FC Sunday moved closer to their 3rd CAF Champions League title ambition with a 2-0 win over visiting Ajax Cape Town of South Africa in the eastern commercial city of Aba despite an early scare from the "Urban Warriors" who had a beautiful goal disallowed.

The reigning champions who looked suspect in the first 30 minutes allowed Ajax dictate the pace of the game and the lanky forward, Napampote would have put his side ahead but his shot went wide by few centimetres in the 25th.

Enyimba had their chance in the 46th minute but David Tysavkase’s shot went wide while goalkeeper Andrea Tofting, heaved a sigh of relive. But almost in quick response, Ajax moved men up-front in a counter-attack that would have got them the lead, but the referee from Eritrea ruled offside.

The half ended 0-0.

A rejuvenated Enyimba side however pushed the game more forceful on resumption as Tysavkase’s goal-bound shot was once again stopped by the Ajax defence.

The South Africans wouldn’t be pushed around and tried to established their presence once more, but the Aba side desirous of victory made sure their efforts were curtailed.

It was a combination of Atanda Sakiru and Solomon Abwo’s effort that break the deadlock with the latter hitting the roof in the 62nd minute. The spectators who had become apprehensive exploded into their traditional war song of ‘nzegbu, nzegbu, Enyimba enyi!’

Club financier and governor of the eastern state of Abia Orji Uzor Kalu, along with Sports Minister Mallam Samaila Sambawa, who was guest of the Abia governor both joined in the celebrations.

Buoyed by the lead, the champions continued on a roller-coastal-soccer dominating Ajax with fluid passes and now played more like the champions they are. The crowd enjoyed their moves and applauded.

After several misses from both sides, Tsyavkase finally got his name on the scorer’s sheet with an 85th minute goal that seal the fate of the inexperience South Africans who gave a brave fight to the end.

Enyimba’s 2-0 win confirms their Group A second position and would now need a decent game against Egypt’s Al Ahly in Cairo to secure a semi finals spot.

By Jo Benson