TotalCAFCL: Plateau United beaten Enyimba cruise

It was contrasting fortunes for the two NPFL sides engaged in the TotalCAF Champions League on Sunday as Plateau United were beaten on home turf while Enyimba cruised to a slim win away from home.

Playing only their second ever continental fixture at the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United were beaten 1-0 by visiting Simba Sports Club (Simba SC) of Tanzania in a game Abdu Maikaba’s side were made to rue their profligacy.

Zambian international Clatous Chama scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game in the 53rd home when he fired home a rebound after Plateau goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar had spilled an effort.

The result leaves United with a huge mountain to climb should they aspire to reach the next and final round of qualification for the group stage of the Champions League.

While Plateau wobbled at home, former African champions Enyimba enjoyed success on the road after a narrow 0-1 win against Burkina Faso champions Rahimo FC in Ouagadougou.

Enyimba head coach Fatai Osho handed full debuts to new signings Imo Obot, Nabil Yarou, Hassan Abubakar, Sadiq Abubakar and Tosin Omoyele but were made to wait till the second half before breaking the deadlock.

Dependable forward Victor Mbaoma came off the bench to score for the People’s Elephant in the 76th minute when he rose highest to meet Anayo Iwuala’s inswinging corner.

Enyimba thus go into next Sunday’s return leg at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba with the advantage. Should they progress over two legs, Enyimba might face Sudanese side El Merriekh who held AS Otoho to a 1-1 draw in their first leg game in Brazzaville on Sunday.