Ahly Benghazi edge Enyimba in seven-goal thriller

Hamadi Gadallah’s header deep into added time handed Al Ahly Benghazi a 4-3 win against Enyimba at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Sunday Evening.

In a dramatic seven-goal thriller, Chijioke Mbaoma opened scoring in the third minute when he sent home a rebound after Joseph Atule’s initial effort was denied by the goalkeeper; but Ahly levelled up six minutes later, heading in from four yards as Olorunleke Ojo failed to deal with a cross from the left.

The Libyans turned the score around and assumed the lead three minutes before the break when Imo Obot diverted a cross into his own, but the enterprising Eze Ekwutoziam restored balance after the restart, finishing off another rebound from Atule’s strike.

Events continued to pop and bounce, and the hosts were back in front when Fadel Salama bundled in a cross, but Enyimba marched back into it with five minutes left as substitute Murphy Ndukwu tapped in a goalkeeping spill.

The game was eventually decided deep into added time when Gadallah found space in the box to send a header into the bottom right, and hand Ahly a narrow first leg advantage.

The reverse fixture is scheduled for the Enyimba Stadium, Aba on Sunday, August 27.