Nigerian side Lobi Stars produced a dogged defensive display to hold Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca to a 0-0 draw in a CAF Champions League group stage game in Rabat on Tuesday night.
Goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode produced two good saves late in each half to complement what was a strong defensive showing by the Pride of Benue who frustrated their opponents in front of a vociferous home crowd at the Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital.
Lobi coach Solomon Ogbeide did not hide his intentions from the start as he lined out a side with defensive emphasis, fielding three defensive midfielders Kelly Kester, Otakho Aghahowa and Dare Ojo in front of a defence that welcomed back left back Ebube Duru and Bashiru Monsuru.
Striker Sikiru Alimi who played a key role in the team’s qualification for the group stage of the competition was also available for selection for the first time since the start of the group phase having left to seek greener pastures abroad.
Despite committing thirty-six fouls in the game, Lobi Stars incurred only one booking; defensive midfielder Aghahowa picking up a caution that rules him out of their next group game against Sundowns next month.
FT: Wydad Casablanca 0-0 @LobiStars
Possession: 67 – 33%
Corners: 11 – 1
Fouls: 14 – 36
Yellow cards: 3 – 1 ?#WeAreLobi #TotalCAFCL #WACLSFC— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) February 12, 2019
The 0-0 result regardless, status quo remained in Group A with Lobi still bottom of the group with four points after the group’s other game between Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns also ended 0-0 earlier in the day at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Match Day 5 action in the Champions League will hold on March 8 and 9 with Lobi Stars travelling to South Africa for a date with Sundowns while ASEC will host Wydad in Abidjan.
