Enyimba beat TS Galaxy 2-0, Enugu Rangers lose 1-2 in Lome

Enyimba of Aba yesterday defeated TS Galaxy of South Africa 2-0 in their first leg last qualifying round match of the CFA Confederation Cup. But their compatriots, Enugu Rangers did not fare that well as they succumbed to a last minute goal to lose 1-2 to ASCK of Togo in Lome.Playing at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba,

The Peoples Elephant, who were relegated from the Champions League, took the game to the South African second division side and got their opener in the seventh minute through Victor Mbaoma.The People’s Elephants got the second goal just after the hour-mark with Martins Usule netting with a cracking strike.

The game was opening up more in the latter phase,  Enyimba carving out their opportunities but goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku kept the score-line respectable, as the visitors went down 2-0 in the end.

The sides will clash in the second-leg next Sunday on South African soil.In Lome, an added on time goal from captain of ASCK of Togo, Richard Nane
condemned Enugu Rangers to 1-2 defeat in the first leg, playoff round of the second tier continental tie.

Coach Benedict Ugwu tutored side were quick off the block inside the 30,000 capacity Stade de Kegue, Lome with the trio of Chiamaka Madu,Nnamdi Egbujuo and Ifeanyi George pulling the strings, but were not clinical in front of goal.

However, the Togolese side took the lead in the 30th minute through Sapol Mani.Undaunted by the goal, Rangers fought back, with Ikechukwu Ibenegbu controlling affairs in the midfield. From one of Ibenegbu’s through passes, Nnamdi Egbujuo found himself free in the box, but he was wrestled down to earn Rangers a penalty.

Ifeanyi George scored from the spot to make it 1-1.However, Rangers conceded another goal in the second minute of added time when Yendoutie Richard Nane capitalised on the Flyting Antelopes slack defending to score the winner for his side.Rangers will host the second leg on November 3, 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.