‘It could have been a different result’: Eguma reflects on Al Masry draw
Enyimba Head Coach Stanley Eguma says his side showed Egyptian outfit Al Masry ‘too much respect’ as both teams played out a 1-1 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup in Uyo on Sunday, a result that did the aspirations of the hosts in the competition no good.
The visitors took an early lead after just 8 minutes when Mohamed Hashen headed in a corner, before Ifeanyi Ihemekwele leveled scores for Enyimba in the 47th minute, as both teams shared the spoils.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, the erstwhile Rivers United gaffer also added that his team was ‘lethargic’ in the first half of the encounter, expressing disappointment at the outcome of the clash.
“It was really unfortunate that we couldn’t win the game,” he said. “We had actually prepared and planned to win it.
“We trained very hard and mapped out strategy to beat our opponents. But unfortunately, the Al Masry team came to play a game of their lives here (Uyo).
“But I think we respected them so much, especially in the first half. We were lethargic in our approach, and that caused the early goal we conceded. That goal, I think, demoralized us so much.
“And most of these players have not played at this level before. They are playing at this level for the first time. It affected them.
“But in the second half, when we equalized, we had series of chances to win the game. But we faltered in front of goal.
“I think that was our undoing. Otherwise, it would have been a different result.”
As a result of the draw, the 2-time African champions moved to 3rd place in Group D with 5 points from as many games.
Enyimba, semi-finalists in 2018, will need to defeat group winners Zamalek in Cairo on Sunday, and hope that 2nd –placed Al Masry drop points at home against Black Bulls, to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.