Enyimba face do-or-die CAF champions league match in Cairo

Nigeria’s Enyimba face a do-or-die CAF Champions League match away to Egyptian giants Zamalek at the Petro Sport Stadium on Sunday evening.


Though Zamalek have just one win to show from their three matches in Group B thus far, the disqualification of Algeria’s ES Setif and the poor form of Enyimba (two losses from as many outings) means the Cairo side need just a draw in this match to secure progression.

The White Knights’ last outing in the African competition was a 1-0 loss away to group toppers Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on July 27, while Enyimba haven’t played in the Champions League since late June, when they lost 2-1 to the same ‘Downs team.

Zamalek’s loss in South Africa brought about the resignation of coach Mohamed Helmi, continuing their managerial merry-go-round. Mohamed Salah (the coach, not the Roma player) is the man currently in charge on an interim basis.

Enyimba and Zamalek clashed in the first matchday of the group stage, with the Egyptian claiming a narrow 1-0 win in Port Harcourt courtesy of an early goal from Basem Morsy. That victory is what sees the White Knights in such a strong position and they will be confident of a repeat in their own back yard.

Zamalek will also be high on confidence after a famous 3-1 win over arch enemies Al Ahly in the final of the Egyptian Cup this past weekend. Morsy scored a brace, while winger Mostafa Fathi netted the third.

"Defeating Al Ahly in the Egypt Cup has boosted our morale ahead of the upcoming CAF Champions League game against Enyimba,” said Zamalek midfielder Ahmed Tawfik, as quoted by Ahram Online.

Enyimba coach Paul Aigbogun, though, believes his side can overturn the 1-0 loss they suffered at the hands of the Egyptians at the start of the group phase.

“The pitch (in Port Harcourt) was waterlogged when we played against Zamalek,” Aigbogun told SuperSport.

“We dominated the game and the goal they scored was from something you cannot even refer to as a goal-scoring opportunity.

“Our objective is to win on Sunday to get our campaign back on track and I believe we can do it.”

Kick-off is at 19:30 CAT.