Enyimba FC centre back Somiari Alalibo has continued to revel in his side’s hard fought 0-1 win over Diambars FC of Senegal in their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup game on Saturday.
The People’s Elephant edged out their hosts courtesy of Cyril Olisema’s penalty converted late in the game decided at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal.
Alalibo, starting from where he left off at the end of last season formed a solid partnership with Super Eagles defender Kunle Adeleke at the heart of Enyimba defence.
“It wasn’t an easy game, because we played against a very good and technical side,” Alalibo told www.aclsports.com on arrival to Lagos on Monday.
“The win is a morale booster because it’s our first competitive match since we won away at Dakkada at the end of last season.”
Saturday’s game was Alalibo’s first career continental appearance after he was not registered by the club for the competition last term. Moreso, it was also his first game outside the shores of Nigeria.
Alalibo who will clock 20 next month was surprised to be trusted with the assignment by new coach Finidi George and was happy he did not disappoint.
“It was a great experience. To be honest, I was speechless when I was told I would start but I want to thank Coach Finidi (George) for believing in me. I’m happy that we did not disappoint.”
The second leg game against Diambars comes up at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba on Sunday with Enyimba needing just to avoid a defeat to book a place in the playoff round.
“Our morale is high and we’re all happy going into the second leg to finish the job we started on Saturday. We cannot let it slip from our hands,” added Alalibo.
Enyimba’s best appearance in the Confederation Cup came in 2018 when they reached the semi-final stage where they lost to Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. They have reach the quarter finals in the last two seasons.
