Ismaili's first fall
After a long African rally, Ismaili lost their first leg African Champions League match to Enyimba of Nigeria 2-0. Abeer Anwar reports
A 2-0 loss to Nigeria's Enyimba leaves Ismaili on the verge of losing its dream of snatching its first title of the African Champions League and keep the title in Egypt for the third consecutive year. The Egyptian loss, however, meant Nigeria took the first step towards becoming the first-ever Nigerian team to win the Champions League.
Ismaili kicked-off to a positive start, but their performance was dampened by the absence of a number of stars. The Nigerians capitalised on the lackluster Ismaili performance, showing from minute one their commitment to taking advantage of this golden opportunity on home turf.
Enyimba scored their first goal in the 28th minute through Emeka Nwanna, who headed home after a great shot from Ndidi Anumnu rebounded off the Ismaili crossbar. Ismaili players tried hard to score to level, but all trials proved futile. The team's trademark spirit was clearly lacking. Ismaili goalkeeper Mohamed Elewa, however, saved his team's net from a number of shots through Enyimba attackers, and strenuous efforts on his part brought closure to the first half at 1-0.
The Nigerians doubled their lead just four minutes into the second half, when striker Anumnu tapped in the ball from close range, after a cross from the left by Michael Orchei.
Ismaili players were forced to resort to rigid defence to end the match with no more goals. Their efforts were also aided by poor shots of the Nigerian players which lost their direction and target. The match ended 2-0 in Enyimba's favour, leaving the Nigerians with high hopes of snatching the African title for the first time in their history, and consequently breaking the Egyptian siege.
Ismaili's German coach Theo Bucker gave Al-Ahram Weekly his perspective on the match: "We were missing five regular players and this affected the team's performance," he said. "But I am sure we will be able to make up for the loss in Cairo." He also added that the players did their best to stop the goals at 2-0, and that solid defence was a sign of promise for the coming leg.
Enyimba's coach, on the other hand, was confident that his team will not let the cup go.
"We will fight harshly to come back with the title and the cup," he told the press. "We have done our best and we will never surrender. I know that we will face a harsh opponent but we are insistent to win."
The second leg of the final will be played in Ismailia, Egypt, on 12 December.
