Enyimba Optimistic, Despite Home Draw Against Zamalex

 

After their opening defeat to Al Masry in Ismaila, the Aba Elephants hosted the White Knights with the aim of clinching their first victory in Group D.

However, that was not the case, as they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a draw in a thrilling four-goal encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Tunisia international Seifeddine Jaziri opened the scoring for Zamalek in the 33rd minute with an assist from Mahmoud Bentayg, followed by Palestine forward Omar Faraj doubling the lead seven minutes later.

In the action-packed first half, the hosts narrowed the deficit through Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, and Ufere Chinedu secured a draw with a composed finish in the 57th minute, ensuring the match ended evenly.

"We had a shaky start but we grew into the game and tried to salvage a point. It was not really what we wanted," Akanni told our correspondence after the encounter.

When asked how his Enyimba fell two goals behind in such a crucial fixture, the midfielder defended his side, stating: "This is football; it can happen to anyone. One or two misunderstandings here and there."

The result leaves Enyimba third on the table, with just one point from a possible six. Akanni, who impressed after replacing goalscorer Chinedu in the 67th minute, expressed frustration over the outcome against the North Africans.

He continued: "We are not satisfied with the result, having only managed one point out of a possible six, which is far from good enough. 

"Our sole mission before the match was to secure a win, but we fell short. We’ll do everything possible to earn maximum points in our upcoming games."

Enyimba are playing their continental home games in Uyo instead of their fortress in Aba due to a combination of factors, including better facilities and pitch conditions.

While some have attributed their result against the reigning African champions to playing away from their passionate fans, Akanni has refused to make excuses.

"To start with, we appreciate the efforts of all our fans home and abroad. We still had some of our fans in the stadium regardless of the location and we really appreciate this. 

"I must say we missed their cheer and usual chants. That being said, it is football and a good team should be able to play anywhere.

"We have won matches away from home before now so we cannot present this as an excuse."

Enyimba will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Black Bulls on December 15 at the Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.

Nonetheless, despite the tough challenge ahead in their bid to progress to the next stage of the CAF club competition, the enterprising midfielder is confident about his side’s chances.

Akanni added: "Yes. I strongly believe (that Enyimba will qualify). You could see the way the latter stages of the game (against Zamalek) went. 

"We all want to be in the next stage of the competition and we are ready to give it all it takes. We are positive-minded. 

"I believe we’ve got all it takes to gather enough points to take us into the next stage. It is just a shaky start. I believe it is the beginning of what will end up to be a successful story. I’m optimistic we’ll make it to the next stage."

Before heading to Mozambique’s capital city, the two-time CAF Champions League winners will return to Aba for a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League encounter against struggling Sunshine Stars.

Coach Yemi Olanrewaju's men are currently eighth in the standings, having accumulated 21 points from 13 matches so far.