By Goodness Ndukuba, Akwa on October 27, 2023

Nigeria Champions, Enyimba International FC of Aba Thursday night crashed out of the maiden edition of the African Football League (AFL).

The People's Elephant were handed a crushing 3-0 defeat by Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) in Casablanca, Morocco in the quarter final return leg.

The Moroccans sealing their semi final passage on a 4-0 aggregate, having also won the first leg last Sunday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

Wydad were quicker off the block, racing to an early lead just four minutes after kick off with  Ayoub El Amloud hitting the back of the net from Yahya Jabrane's set up.

Eight minutes past the half hour mark, Jamal Harkass doubled the home side's lead with a sumptuous finish on the dot of 38 minutes.

Attiat Allah put the ice on the cake two minutes before the half time whistle as Wydad took a commanding 3-0 into the break.

With their backs already against the wall, Enyimba filed back onto the pitch for the second period fighting for every single ball in a bid to pull the chestnut from the burning fire. Sadly, it turned out late for the George Finidi George men who equally bid the CAF Champions League a painful bye in the very preliminary stage following a 4-3 aggregate defeat by Al Benghazi of Libya.

The Nigerians were undone by the Moroccans early goal, which tore them off their concentration and confidence as their hosts enjoyed huge possession amidst loud noise from the packed stands.

The two-time Champions came in the second period more composed, more confident and more adventurous. But it was already too late, with deed already done as the hosts defended stoutly with their heads tightly screwed unto their necks as Enyimba poured out in numbers.

It turned out a sad end to a lovely dream for the Nigerians when the final whistle sounded as the the reality check dawned on them that they have once again lost huge money exiting the tournament this early with their continental ego and pride badly punctured.

Wydad Athletic Club will now face Esperance of Tunisia who triumphed over TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the other quarter final fixture.

Enyimba, now without any continental engagement, will now shift their attention to the domestic league, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted October 27, 2023

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