Enyimba close to semifinals, hold Rayon Sports in Rwanda
Enyimba during training
Former African champions, Enyimba of Aba yesterday held Rayon Sports of Rwanda to a goalless draw in Kigali in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal game. This result makes them favourites to progress to the semifinals at the expense of Rayon Sports.
Reports from Kigali said Enyimba resisted the home side’s bid for a winning start to tie played at the Stade Régional Nyamirambo in Kigali yesterday. Enyimba will host Rayon Sports in the reverse fixture at the Aba Stadium on September 23.
According to africanfootball.com, Ifeanyi Anaemena conjured the first chance of substance with a diving header from a corner-kick in the 14th minute and was only denied the opener by a brilliant goal-line clearance.
Chances continued to pop up at either end of the pitch, but neither side could find the opening goal before the break. Ibrahim Mustapha was lively throughout for the visitors and went close to finding the back of the net six minutes after the interval.
The forward, though, fluffed his attempted shot after being played through on goal by Sunday Adetunji. Spurred on by their home fans, Gikundiro surged forward in the latter stages of the clash and were only denied a goal by Theo Afelokhai.
The Nigerian shot-stopper has been in immense form for Enyimba throughout the competition and was at his best once more to deny Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana in the 75th minute. Despite all the attacking intent from both sides, the game ended at 0-0 with Enyimba now firm favourites to progress into the final four.
