Former African champions Enyimba fought back from two goals down to hold CAF Confederation Cup holders Zamalek SC to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The People’s Elephant went into Sunday’s game searching for their first win in the group phase but were stunned after the half hour mark when Seifeddine Jaziri finished brilliantly after Mahmoud Bentayg cushioned a long ball into his path.
One soon became two in the 40th minute after Zamalek broke down the right and a low cross into the box caused a collision which allowed Omar Faraj to tap into an unguarded goal. At that point, it seemed there was no way back for the crestfallen Elephants into the game.
However, the Yemi Olanrewaju-led Enyimba gave themselves a lifeline when striker Ifeanyi Ihemekwele latched into Kalu Nweke’s well measured pass over the top to poke home beyond the onrushing Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad in what was the last kick of the half.
Enyimba became more daring in the second half and so rightly got their equaliser, quite deservedly in the 57th minute. A good team move saw Austin Onyemaechi return a silky one-two to Chinedu Ufere who hit home from 25 yards with the aid of a deflection.
The game ebbed and flowed from then on with chances at both ends of the pitch. Imoh Obot made a crucial goal line clearance to prevent Zamalek from taking the lead again while Chukwudi Nwaodu hesitated and was denied from point blank range.
Like Zamalek’s Portuguese coach Jose Gomes noted after the game, the result was indeed a fair reflection of the game which was there for the taking for either side.
Zamalek remain joint top of Group D in the Confederation Cup alongside local rivals Al Masry. The latter’s draw against Black Bulls of Mozambique in Maputo on Sunday leaves the group as it were before Sunday’s games.
Enyimba will travel to Maputo next weekend while the first installment of the Egyptian derby holds same weekend between Zamalek and Al Masry.
