El-Kanemi Warriors put one foot in CAF Confederation Cup second round

El-Kanemi Warriors took a commanding advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie by beating Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB 3-0 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday.

The Nigerian side had to wait until the second half to turn their pressure into goals, after both teams created opportunities during a goalless opening 45 minutes.

Nnamdi Mejuobi broke the deadlock seven minutes after the restart, giving El-Kanemi Warriors the lead in the 52nd minute. The goal changed the balance of the contest and put the hosts in a stronger position.

Mejuobi then scored again from the penalty spot just four minutes later. His calmly taken effort doubled El-Kanemi Warriors’ advantage and left UDIB facing a difficult task in the remainder of the first leg.

The hosts continued to press for a third goal and were rewarded late in the match. Dayo Wahab completed the scoring two minutes before full-time, securing a 3-0 victory for El-Kanemi Warriors.

The result gives El-Kanemi Warriors a substantial lead to take into the second leg, although UDIB will have the opportunity to respond when the sides meet again next weekend.

A place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup is now within reach for the Nigerian club, who will aim to complete the job in the return fixture.

Both sides had been unable to find a breakthrough before half-time despite creating chances. That evenly matched first period was followed by a decisive spell from El-Kanemi Warriors after the interval, with Mejuobi’s two goals establishing control before Wahab’s late finish made the scoreline more emphatic.

The first-leg victory is also a positive result for El-Kanemi Warriors in their attempt to progress in the competition. They now have a three-goal cushion before travelling for the return leg next weekend.

The fixture was played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, where El-Kanemi Warriors made full use of their opportunity to build an advantage. UDIB must now overturn the deficit in the second meeting if they are to prevent their Nigerian opponents from advancing to the next stage.

The match forms part of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round, with the outcome of the two-legged tie to determine which club moves into the second preliminary round.