Match Report: Enyimba vs Orlando Pirates

Enyimba advanced to the quarter final of the CAF Confederation Cup after a dramatic 1-0 win against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday night in Aba. 

Cyril Olisema snatched victory at the death after squeezing Anayo Iwuala’s cut back past goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands to send the Nigerian giants through to the last eight. 

The 95th minute goal was a fitting reward for Fatai Osho’s men who had been dominant for long spells and ultimately condemned Pirates to their first defeat of the tournament.

The Elephants expectedly flew out of the blocks from the start but found a resolute Buccaneers who were comfortable soaking up pressure and breaking forward with pace. The South Africans even caused a major scare early in the first half when Maliele Pule crashed his well taken free-kick against the crossbar but better chances overall were created by the hosts who however failed to finish.

Going into the game Enyimba and Pirates were bottom and top of the group respectively. While only a draw would see the visitors to the final eight regardless of events in Algeria – where ES Setif hosted Ahly SC – Enyimba needed an outright win.

Fatai Osho’s vocal chords were damaged at the end as Olisema bagged a yellow for his shirtless celebration but it didn’t matter as long into the night, Aba and Nigeria celebrated yet another important milestone by the country’s most successful club.

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