Super Eagles coach Finidi optimistic, Wydad AC manager Ramzi cautious ahead of Enyimba clash in AFL QF

The nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League winners fell to Wydad AC of Morocco in the first leg of the African Football League quarterfinals

Enyimba head coach Finidi George and Wydad Athletic Club manager Adil Ramzi have spoken of their desires to win the second leg of their quarterfinal faceoff in the African Football League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian champions stumbled to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Moroccan giants in the first leg of the African Football League, AFL, quarter-final tie on Sunday.

Finidi, who also doubles as the Super Eagles assistant coach, blamed his side’s failure to convert their chances for the defeat to Wydad AC.

Yayha Jabrane’s first-half penalty for the visitors separated both teams on the day.

The People’s Elephants had several chances to equalise and even win the game, but Chijioke Mbaoma, Ekenne Awazie, and Daniel Daga all fluffed their opportunities when presented.

Finidi, however, remains convinced that Enyimba can claim an away win and progress to the semi-final of the AFL.

“Football is about goal scoring; if we had scored, the overall result would have been different,” Finidi said on Brila FM.

“In a couple of days, we will have the return leg. I’m happy that in as much as we want to win the game, I’m happy that we lost by just 1-0, which gives us another opportunity to go over there and see if we can.

“If we have the same opportunities that we got here, if we can take one or two it’s going to be a different ball game.

“I’m quite optimistic about the second leg, but it’s unfortunate that we lost the first leg.”

Despite Finidi’s optimism, Wydad have the advantage of booking a spot among the four semifinalists when the two sides meet again.

The Reds will look to confirm their superiority when they trade tackles with Enyimba in the return match, scheduled for Wednesday at the Mohammed V Complex.

Still, Wydad head coach Adil Ramzi is wary of complacency.

The Moroccan tactician has called on his side to finish the job they started in Nigeria.

“It’s a match with two periods,” Adil Ramzi said, as per Le Martin.

“I’m happy with today’s result, especially since we scored and didn’t concede.

“Enyimba is a good team and we will have to concentrate in Casablanca during the return match. Matches only end with the referee’s whistle.”

The Aba Warriors and Adil Ramzi’s troops will meet in the reverse fixture scheduled for the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.