TheCable

Enyimba beat Cara Brazzaville 1-0 to qualify for the quarter-final of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The match played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba was the Nigerian club’s final group game of the competition.

Enyimba came into the encounter having picked up three points away from home against Djoliba of Mali to put them in a favourable position to advance to the next round.

The hosts needed at least a point to progress to the quarter-final, but three to be sure, depending on the result in the other group game between Williamsville of Ivory Coast and Djoliba.

The first 20 minutes was a ferocious and end-to-end encounter as both teams went in search of the opener.

Enyimba Captain, Mfon Udoh could have opened the scoring in the 33rd minute after he found himself well placed but his effort was easily saved by goalkeeper Chansel Mohikola.

Udoh was presented with a goal scoring chance yet again in the box just five minutes later but he failed to connect with a looping cross.

The first half ended goalless as the Congolese side frustrated the efforts of Enyimba who were playing on their home turf for the first time in three years.

The second half was livelier for the hosts but they were still unable to convert any of their chances which created nervy moments as CARA hung on by a thread at the closing stages of the game.

However, just when it seemed like both sides would settle for a draw, Augustine Oladapo grabbed a late goal in additional time to give Enyimba a well-deserved 1-0 victory.

The win ensured that Enyimba not only qualified for the knock out stages of the competition but also topped Group C with 12 points.

CARA Brazaville also qualified for the knock out stages as the group C runners-up with nine points.