CAF Confederation Cup: Eguma optimistic about Enyimba’s qualification

By Olaolu Joseph

Head coach of Enyimba FC, Stanley Eguma, remains confident that his team can progress to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, despite unfavorable statistics.

Nigeria’s only remaining representative on the continental stage failed to secure a home win on Sunday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Masry of Egypt at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The result leaves Enyimba with a slim chance of advancing to the next round, with one match remaining for each of the four teams in Group D.

However, the former Rivers United coach remains hopeful, emphasizing that his team can achieve the seemingly impossible.

“It is not over yet. We still have one match to play, and I am optimistic we can get it done in Egypt against Zamalek. All we have to do is go there and give it our all in the last game. If we can win, and hopefully the result of the other match (Al-Masry vs. Black Bullets) favors us, anything is possible,” the experienced tactician stated.

Reflecting on the match against Al-Masry in Uyo, Eguma expressed disappointment over his team’s inability to secure the crucial win, attributing it to excessive respect given to their opponents.

“It was really unfortunate that we couldn’t win the game. We trained very hard and planned strategies to beat them, but they played the game of their lives.

“Our players respected them too much, especially in the first half. We were lethargic in our approach, and that led to the early goal we conceded. That goal demoralized us significantly, and many of these players are inexperienced at this level,” Eguma explained.

In Group D’s final and decisive fixtures, Enyimba, popularly known as the People’s Elephants, will face group leaders Zamalek in Egypt, while Black Bullets take on Al-Masry.