Nigeria’s representatives Enyimba FC and Rangers International on Sunday secured decent results in their Total CAF Confederation Cup (TotalCAFCC) playoff round first leg matches.
Enyimba earned a 2-0 win over South Africa’s Nedbank Cup champions TS Galaxy at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba while Rangers lost 1-2 to Togolese champions ASC Kara at the Stade de Kegue in Lome.
In spite of some intricate play by the South Africans, Enyimba downed the second division side courtesy of a goal in each half through strikers Victor Mbaoma and Martins Usule.
The People’s Elephant could indeed have added to the scoreline but Galaxy goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku denied Usule a second with a brilliant save ten minutes from time. The second leg will hold at the Mbobela Stadium in Nespruit next Sunday.
In Lome, Rangers conceded late in the game to ASC Kara to give up the first leg 1-2 in front of a scanty crowd at the Stade de Kegue.
The hosts went in front in the 28th minute through Sapol Mani but Rangers were rewarded with their impressive play in the 32nd minute when Ifeanyi George converted from the penalty spot after Nnamdi Egbujuo was felled inside the box.
Kara captain Richard Nane – scorer of two goals in Togo’s 4-1 annihilation of Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles weeks ago – once again scored in stoppage time to seal victory on the day for his side.
Rangers will host Kara in the second leg at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu next Sunday. Winners over two legs advance to the group stage of Africa’s second tier club football competition.
Other results
Asante Kotoko (Ghana) 0-0 San Pedro (Cote d’Ivoire) – Game called off at half time due to heavy downpour
Horoya AC (Guinea) 4-2 Bandari FC (Kenya – Aristide Bance with a hattrick for Horoya.
Cano Sport (Equatorial Guinea) 1-3 Zanaco FC (Zambia)
Fosa Juniors (Madagascar) 2-0 RS Berkane (Morocco)
Coted’Or (Seychelles) 0-4 Al Masry (Egypt)
Gor Mahia (Kenya) 1-1 DC Motema Pembe (DR Congo)
Green Eagles (Zambia) 1-1 Hassania Agadir (Morocco)
KCCA Kampala (Uganda) 0-0 Paradou AC (Algeria)
UD Songo (Mozambique) 1-2 Bidvest Wits (South Africa)
Young Africans (Tanzania) 1-2 Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Elite Sport (Chad) 0-1 Djoliba (Mali)
