Match Preview: Enyimba FC vs ES Setif

Enyimba FC will face a North African side for the 37th time in the history of CAF Club Competitions this weekend when they host ES Setif of Algeria in match day three of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The fixture, billed for Sunday April 4 at the Enyimba Stadium will see the Elephants try to seek redemption after a late capitulation in Soweto on match day two.

ENYIMBA VS ALGERIAN CLUBS

Enyimba have experienced good fortunes whenever they have faced Algeria sides on the continent, stretching back to the fairytale maiden Champions League triumph in 2003.

2003: Enyimba FC held USM Algiers to a 1-1 draw in Algeria (1st Leg Sem-final CAFCL)

2003: Enyimba FC defeated USM Algiers 2-1 in Aba (2nd Leg Semi-final CAFCL)

2019: Enyimba FC lost 1-0 to Paradou AC at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker (Group Stage CAFCC)

2020: Enyimba FC trounced Paradou AC 4-1 in Aba (Group Stage CAFCC)

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Surprisingly, Enyimba and ES Setif have never met before. In the 2016 edition of the CAF Champions League, both teams were paired in Group B, alongside Zamalek and Mamelodi Sundowns; however, the Algerians were disqualified from the tournament by CAF for fans’ pitch invasion.

FORM (LAST 5 GAMES)

ENYIMBA FC – WLWLW

ES SETIF – DLWLW

TEAM NEWS

Tough time for Coach Fatai Osho as the likes of winger Sadiq Abubakar and left back Imoh Obot remain ruled out with varying injuries. More so, centre-back Hassan Abubakar joins the treatment table with toothache.

However, there is good news as the club welcomes Anayo Iwuala, John Noble, and Nabil Yarou from international duties.

THOUGHTS

“ES Setif has a point from six and they know if they don’t add to that tally it will be a bit difficult for them. A loss to us (Enyimba) will be a point from a possible nine, so we expect them to come all out to fight, and on our own part we know we need the maximum points so that we can keep our position on the table and we see what we can get on the road. It’s going to be a feisty affair, both teams will be coming in with a lot of ambition and that is what we expect” – Fatai Osho

Enyimba are currently second in group A with three points from two games, while ES Setif are bottom  with only one point from two matches.