Enyimba win of academic value

This win was Enyimba’s only victory in the campaign having lost to both Sundowns and Egyptian side Zamalek – and the game was purely a matter of pride for them.

From kick-off, Enyimba were on the attack, forcing the Tshwane giants onto the defence. Thabo Nthete, who had the armband in the absence of captain Hlompho Kekana, marshalled his defence well.

Soumahoro Bangaly paired with him in central defence, while Rheece Evans got a start at right-back and Siyanda Zwane moved to left-back.

But it was in midfield where coach Pitso Mosimane was adventurous. Tiyani Mabunda, Motjeka Madisha, Themba Zwane and Percy Tau held matters together as Teko Modise controlled distribution. Anthony Laffor was the lone striker up front.

As early as the eighth minute, Wayne Sandilands was caught off his line but the ball landed on the roof of the net. Enyimba were playing the long ball to get behind the Sundowns defence and played three up front to try and get the goals that have been eluding them through the tournament.

In the 23rd minute, Sundowns gave away another set-piece on the edge of the box, and this time Enyimba did not get it wrong as J Uche Ukubuweze sent a scorcher which gave Sandilands no chance to take a 1–0 lead.

Then, on 32 minutes, Tau hustled his way down the right flank, cutting in on the goal line before shooting for goal – but his shot was blocked.

Another effort was also blocked with the ball heading into the air. Tau was the first to react and he headed the ball into the far corner to give Sundowns the equaliser.

As the rain came down harder, Enyimba went out to restore their lead. Laffor found himself in the box but the ball struck his arm before he shot into the back of the net. The referee blew for a foul – and Enyimba breathed a sigh of relief.

Enyimba won another set-piece in similar range to the first from which they scored, but this time Sundowns defence was alert.

Sundowns held on, but on the stroke of half-time, Sandilands failed to clear from a back pass and Udoh snatched the ball to send it into the net to give the home side the lead again at 2-1.

In the second half, the field became increasingly difficult to play as the water level rose. Ball control became almost impossible, and the two teams splashed around on the field without any control.

Rheece Evans was caught for pace, and he tried to pull back the Enyimba attacker and the referee did not hesitate to blow for a penalty. Udoh sent Sandilands the wrong way to make it 3 – 1.

The rain continued bucketing down and it almost seemed like the players were going through the motions, especially with Sundowns having one eye on their upcoming MTN8 derby with Supersport United on Sunday.

The final whistle went with the score still at 3–1 to hand Sundowns’ their only defeat in the Group stages.