CAF Confederation Cup Quarterfinal Race: Enyimba Chase Double Upset to Secure Progress
1 min read
By Atobatele Ayomide
The road to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup reaches its climax this weekend, with Nigeria’s Enyimba FC relying on a rare sequence of events to keep their hopes alive. To advance from Group D, the People’s Elephants must defeat already-qualified Zamalek SC in Egypt and pray for an upset, with Black Bulls of Mozambique toppling Al Masry in Port Said.
Set for Sunday, January 19, the stakes are monumental. Enyimba, two-time African champions, sit on the brink, needing a flawless display and external fortunes to secure a spot in the last eight. Zamalek, however, may rest key players, having already clinched their place in the next round.
Enyimba striker Brown Ideye remains optimistic about their chances: “It’s a must-win for us. Zamalek are strong, but we are determined to take maximum points. The chairman, Nwankwo Kanu, has motivated us, and we believe it’s possible.”
Meanwhile, Al Masry, needing just a draw, face a relatively straightforward task against Black Bulls. The Nigerian contingent will closely monitor developments there while focusing on their own monumental challenge in Cairo.
Elsewhere, teams like Asec Mimosas, USM Alger, and Jaraaf aim to settle tight contests in Groups A, B, and C, respectively.
Match Day 6 promises high drama as clubs vie for the final slots in Africa’s prestigious tournament.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
