Enyimba and Etoile Filante play out goalless draw in CAF confederation cup
Enyimba FC and Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round match on Friday. Despite both sides pushing for an advantage, neither team could find the back of the net in a tightly contested encounter.
The Nigerian champions, known as the People’s Elephant, showed resilience in defence throughout the match, keeping their Burkinabé opponents at bay.
Under the leadership of head coach Yemi Olanrewaju, Enyimba were well-organized at the back, frustrating Etoile Filante’s attacking efforts.
Enyimba had their own moments in the game, creating a few scoring opportunities, but were ultimately unable to capitalise.
A combination of missed chances and resolute defending from Etoile Filante left the match evenly poised ahead of the second leg.
Reflecting on the performance, many fans of Enyimba will feel that their side could have done more to seize the initiative in this first leg, though the clean sheet will offer some reassurance.
Etoile Filante, on the other hand, will likely be pleased with the result, knowing they held the Nigerian giants to a draw on home soil and still have a chance to upset their more established opponents in the return leg.
The second leg will be held on Sunday, September 22, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Enyimba will look to capitalise on home advantage.
A win is imperative for the Nigerian side if they are to progress to the next round of the competition.
The two-time CAF Champions League winners will be confident of advancing, but Etoile Filante have shown themselves to be a stubborn opponent capable of holding their own.
Enyimba’s defensive display will be a positive takeaway for Olanrewaju’s side, but the Aba-based club will need to sharpen their attacking prowess in front of their home crowd.
Fans will be hoping for a more clinical performance from their forwards as they look to avoid any upsets on home turf.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian club El-Kanemi Warriors had a less fortunate start in the competition, falling to a defeat in the opening round against Dadje FC of Benin.
Their early exit from the tournament puts extra pressure on Enyimba to carry the Nigerian flag further in the CAF Confederation Cup.
As the second leg approaches, all eyes will be on Uyo, where Enyimba will aim to secure the win needed to advance and continue their quest for continental glory.
