By Daily Sports on April 21, 2016

Enyimba needed penalties to see off hosts Etoile du Sahel and book their place in the group stage of the Caf Champions League after a 3-3 aggregate score at the Stade Olympique de Sousse on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai three consecutive saves from 12 yards the difference.

That People's Elephants even forced spot-kicks was incredible given they suffered the heartbreak of seeing Diogo Acosta erase the hosts three-goal deficit with 19 minutes to the end of the game.

The first chance of the match fell to Acosta as he volleyed goalwards at an angle in the penalty area, but Afelokhai palmed it behind for a corner.

It didn’t take long for Enyimba to show their attacking ability, however. Mfon Udoh played the ball into John Uche on the edge of the penalty area and after swiveling, he let rip, but Aymen Mathlouthi made the save, if a little awkwardly.

The hosts were continuing to look extremely imperious in attack. This time it was Iheb Msakni who went close, getting on the end of Mehdi Saada’s low cross at the back-post, but much to the relief of the Enyimba fans the Tunisian could only find the side netting.

For the visitors, coach Paul Aigbogun was forced to make an early change bringing on Kelly Kester for Ikechukwu Ibenegbu who limped off the field of play.

However, Etoile du Sahel went ahead after 43 minutes thanks to a superb free-kick from Lahmar after Dare Ojo was penalised for a foul.

The hosts’ goal hardly ushered in a new sense of urgency in the Enyimba performance, but Aigbogun did see fit the decision to bring on Peter Onyekachi for long-limbed Abu Azeez.

The Red Devils continued to control much of the action and went doubled their lead with a fine header from Acosta.

With less than 20 minutes to regulation time, Etoile levelled the game on aggregate through Acosta's finish.

Etoile continued to push for a late winner and Afelokhai was again called into action when Saada fired a low shot straight into his arms after cutting inside from the right, before the Enyimba goalkeeper needed help from the post.

Christian Pyagbara nearly surprised goalkeeper Mathlouthi having come one on one with him at the edge of the box, but his attempt went just wide as the tie went to penalties.

But having produced a string of stunning saves to deny Benzarti’s men in outfield play, Afelokhai was the hero of the shootout as saved three penalties.

•Sourced from Goal.com. Photo shows Eyimba FC.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 21, 2016

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