Nigeria’s lone survivors in the 2024/25 CAF InterClub competitions Enyimba FC have been drawn to face defending champions Zamalek and modest Egyptian side Al Masry in the group stage of the Confederation Cup.
In the draws conducted in Cairo, Egypt on Monday, Enyimba who saw off Burkina Faso Cup champions Etoile Filante to reach the group stage were handed a tough task in their bid to reach the latter stages of the competition.
Completing Enyimba’s Group D aside the Egyptian duo are Mozambique Cup champions Associação Black Bulls who eliminated tough Congolese side AS Otoho in the last qualifying round.
TOUGH SCHEDULE
Enyimba will commence their group stage campaign with a visit to Alexandria where they will face Al Masry on Wednesday, November 27 before hosting Zamalek at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday, December 8.
The People’sElephant, coached by Yemi Olanrewaju will round off the year with a trip to Mozambican side Black Bulls in mid-December before hostilities resume in the new year with the reverse fixture of the tie in Uyo.
Enyimba have their work well cut out this season as they will face Zamalek, fresh from winning the African Super Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their other Egyptian foes Al Masry were also in the same group with Rangers International in 2019 alongside another Egyptian side Pyramids.
GUNNING FOR THE TOP
Enyimba reached the quarter final stage the last two times they played in the Confederation Cup in 2020 and 2021, which was after they reached the semi-final of the 2018 edition.
“This is what we play the game for. Competitions like these and big games in which we can make a name for ourselves. It will be difficult for us just like we will make it difficult for our opponents too so bring it on,” Enyimba head coach Yemi Olanrewaju told www.aclsports.com on Monday.
The team captained by Somiari Alalibo are currently placed second in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table just behind Rivers United who are currently coached by former Enyimba boss Finidi George.
