The Nigeria representative Enyimba International experienced an unpleasant outing at the inaugural edition of the African Football League (AFL), registering a home defeat in their first-leg match to Wydad Casablanca, on Sunday evening at the Goodwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Earlier, the AFL competition kicked off on Friday with Egypt’s Ahly grabbing an away draw against Simba SC of Tanzania.
In another match, Mamelodi Sundown recorded the first away win of the tournament with a 0-2 away win over Petro Luanda in Angola.
Coach Finidi George started a strong 11, which included former Flying Eagles’ midfielder Daniel Daga.
Yahya Jabrane expertly netted the only goal of the game from a penalty just before half-time, which was conceded by Enyimba’s captain and goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, and secured a comfortable lead for Wydad.
Enyimba became more frustrated in added time when Alalibo Somiari was shown a red card following a last-man tackle on Mountassir Lahtimi, after Chinedu Chilekwu gave away the ball. First, Somiari was shown a yellow card, but after a VAR review, referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat upgraded the card to a red
The Nigeria Premier League champions fought hard in the second half but they were unable to break down the well-organised and disciplined Moroccan giants backline as the game ended 0-1.
The People’s Elephant will have to win in Morocco next weekend to get through to the semi-final.
