CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba fight back to secure 2-2 draw against Zamalek

Enyimba FC showcased resilience as they came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions Zamalek in a Group D encounter on Sunday. 

The Egyptian giants took control early, with Seifeddine Jaziri and Omar Faraj scoring by the 40th minute in the South Eastern city of Uyo.

However, Enyimba pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, who expertly lobbed goalkeeper Mohamed Awad.

The Nigerian side maintained relentless pressure in the second half, and Chinedu Ufere’s deflected shot in the 57th minute leveled the score.

Despite creating numerous late chances, Enyimba’s weak finishing denied them a winning goal.

Among the spectators was Enyimba chairman and legendary footballer Nwankwo Kanu, who witnessed his team’s spirited performance.

The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group D, as Zamalek had previously beaten Black Bulls of Mozambique, while Enyimba fell to Al Masry.

CS Constantine of Algeria topped Group A with maximum points after fighting back to edge Simba of Tanzania 2-1, with Brahim Dib scoring the 50th-minute winner.

Mohamed Hussein gave Simba a first-half lead they surrendered one minute into the second half when Abdulrazack Hamza conceded an own goal.

South African outfit Stellenbosch remain pointless in Group B after crashing 3-1 at home to two-time Confederation Cup title-holders Renaissance Berkane of Morocco.

Youssef Zghoudi scored twice within 15 minutes and Reda Hajji added a third goal late in the second half before Chamani Butsaka netted for the hosts.

Orapa United of Botswana, one of six group-stage debutants, put a six-goal Group C drubbing by USM Alger behind them to hold ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast 0-0 in Francistown.

USM were also involved in a goalless draw, at Jaraaf of Senegal, to hold on to first place, ahead of ASEC on goal difference.

The Confederation Cup is the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.