Elephants Crush Butchers: Oladapo’s Wonder-strike Inspires Enyimba Past Al Ahly

The former African champions began their CAFCC group stage challenge with a thrilling victory at home to the Libyan side

Enyimba International FC defeated Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi 2-1 at the Enyimba Stadium to kick off their CAF Confederations Cup group stage adventure on an excellent note.

Two first-half goals from Augustine Tunde Oladapo and Victor Mbaoma secured all three points for the Elephants over the Butchers in the first Group A clash.

The Aba Elephants grabbed the lead spectacularly in the ninth minute after Oladapo sent a fantastic long range effort beyond the reach of the opposition goalkeeper.

But the visitors pegged Enyimba back with an 18th-minute equalizer when Abdallah Imhamed converted from the penalty spot.

But goalscoring machine Victor Mbaoma edged Fatai Osho’s men back in the lead moments before the break to set the game on the knife edge heading into the second period.

And shortly after the restart, Al Ahly should have been back on levelled terms but new Super Eagles invitee John Noble produced a fine save to deny Alwadawi.

Exciting winger Anayo Iwuala then responded with a magical moment of his own, going on a mazy run through the flank but Mbaoma failed to connect with the youngster’s low cross.

Mbaoma then missed another chance to extend the home side’s lead but the two-time African champions had done just enough by the final whistle to bag all the three points at stake.