Remo Stars and Enyimba started their 2023-24 CAF Champions League campaign on a losing note after falling to Medeama and Al Ahly Benghazi 1-0 and 4-3 respectively away from home in the first round of the qualifiers on Sunday.
The Sky Blues and People’s Elephant made it into the premier African club football competition by finishing in the top two in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) playoffs last season, the latter taking pole position and the title.
Remo however had no response against their Ghanaian opponents as Jonathan Sowah’s 22nd minute strike gave them the slight edge ahead of the return leg in Ikenne on Saturday.
Second leg awaits in Ikenne. #CAFCL| #WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/QLrR2qyXdH
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) August 20, 2023
Enyimba’s game against their Libyan opponents was a goal fest with the Aba outfit taking the lead in the third minute via Mbaoma Chijioke but Benghazi fought back to lead 2-1 going into the break, Imoh Obot netting an own goal for the Libyan outfit’s second.
The second half was end to end action with Enyimba leveling things in the 59th minute thanks to Eze Ekwutoziam. Benghazi went back 3-2 up in the 75th minute only for Murphy Ndukwu to level it 3-3 with four minutes left on the clock.
The two-time CAF Champions League winners could not hold on as Benghazi regained the lead for the third time deep in added time.
Full-time!
A goal right at the end wins it for the hosts.| 4-3 |#ChampionsUnite #PlaySmarter
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) August 20, 2023
Enyimba will be looking to use the three away goals to their advantage ahead of the second leg in Aba on Saturday.
