Enyimba manager, Fatai Osho has described the team’s Caf Confederation Cup Group A pairing as “tough” following the group stage draw of the 2020/21 CAF Confederation Cup on Monday (February 22) at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The Nigerian campaigners were grouped with Algerian giants ES Setif, Orlando Pirates of South Africa and Ahly Benghazi of Libya.
The Nigerian outfit on Sunday (February 21) overcame stubborn compatriots, Rivers United 5-4 on penalties after an aggregate score of 1-1, to advance to the group stage of Africa’s second-tier inter-club competition.
Osho said progression to the knockout stage among the group’s opponents will be determined by which team is more hungry in the group campaign.
“It’s a very tough one not just for Enyimba but all the teams in that group. Looking at the pedigree of all the teams there it will not be an easy one for any of them.
“If you want to look at the pedigree of ES Setif that have won the Champions League for two time, you also look at Orlando Pirates – a former Champions League winners and Enyimba, too, two-time Champions League winners and not removing anything from the Libyan opposition, Ahly Benghazi.
“It will not be an easy call for anybody and it may boil down to the teams that are hungrier that will determine who pick the tickets.
“I strongly believe that all the teams in the group are evenly matched and will all fancy their chances,” said the former Remo Stars gaffer.
Osho said his side will take their matches one at a time starting with the opening clash against the Libyan giants, Ahly Benghazi.
“We will pick the challenge one at a time; our first match will be in Aba against Ahly Benghazi of Libya and if we score a goal there that will propel us to doing well in subsequent matches.
“We are going to pick the matches one at a time, and I think the Nigerian derby has toughened us for a life in the group campaign,” said Osho.
Enyimba will start their knockout stage chase on home ground against the Libyan opposition, Ahly Benghazi on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Story by Humphry Njoku
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