Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba completed a rout Rahimo FC 5-0 to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) but Kano Pillars were eliminated by Asante Kotoko.
Two-time African champions Enyimba lost the first leg of this preliminary round game 0-1 to Burkina Faso champions Rahimo a fortnight ago in Ouagadougou but they erased the deficit in the first half through Reuben Bala’s free kick.
Rahimo were reduced to ten men in the ninth minute after their forward Issouf Zinon caused severe bodily harm to Enyimba left back Emmanuel Ampiah with a reckless lunge.
Enyimba got a crucial second quickly after the break courtesy of right back Stanley Okorom who had replaced the injured Ampiah at half time. His well executed volley nestled into the net just two minutes after the restart.
Dimgba added his side’s third eleven minutes from time but there was still enough time for him and Bala to get their second goals of the day to seal a 5-1 aggregate passage in a game played behind closed doors.
At the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, goals in each half by Kelvin Andoh and Naby Keita gave Asante Kotoko a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars to qualify 4-3 on aggregate after Pillars only managed to edge the first leg 3-2 in Kano.
The loss brings to an abrupt end, Pillars’ much celebrated return to continental football after four years.
Enyimba will face the winner of the game between Al Hilal and Rayon Sports on Sunday night. Aside the People’s Elephant, Rangers of Enugu are the other remaining Nigerian representative in the competition.
