Holding an away goal advantage from the first leg against South African champions Bidvest Wits, Enyimba dug deep to stave off their visitors to a goalless draw at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The visitors were reduced to ten men when Edwin Gyimah saw red for a challenge on Austin Oladapo in the 68th minute. Oladapo it was who then missed a stoppage time penalty for the People’s Elephant as they reached the group stage of the Confederation Cup regardless of the 0-0 stalemate.
In nearby Uyo, Michael Ibe’s first career hattrick proved insufficient for Akwa United whose 3-1 win over Al Hilal was not enough to see them progress.
After sitting back for most of the half, Hilal got their noses in front just before the half hour mark when Mohammed Ahmed Bisha netted form a rebound after Akwa goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo spilled a long range effort. The goal extended Hilal’s aggregate advantage to 3-0.
United dropped their heads from thence but still managed to pull level in first half stoppage time when Ibe slid home from close range.
The former Abia Warriors midfielder then added his side’s second with a fine finish four minutes after the restart before completing his hattrick when he converted from the penalty spot in the 69th minute.
The Promise Keepers however failed to add a fourth goal which could have sealed progression. The Sudanese League Champions progressing at their expense.
The third Nigerian side in action on Wednesday, MFM FC put up a dogged display but came short in the end, playing a 0-0 draw on the night.
The Church Boys from Lagos lost the first leg 1-0 against Malian side Djoliba but were obstinate in the second leg played in Bamako, frustrating their opponents for larger spells.
Their performance regardless, they join Akwa United and Plateau United in exiting the competition at the playoff round.
