It is Win or Burst for Enyimba Against Al Masry Today in Uyo

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Enyimba’s dream of reaching the quarter final stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after a sluggish start to their continental campaign will be put to test this afternoon in Uyo against Egyptian side, Al Masry. 

It is a win or burst situation for the Nigerian representatives who need an outright win to stay in contention.

The two-time African champions are at the bottom of the four-team Group D table with the duo of Egyptian teams Zamalek and Al Masry first and second on eight and five points respectively. Mozambique side, Black Bulls are on same four points as Enyimba. 

With Zamalek technically assured of a place in the knockout rounds, battle for the runners up ticket is what makes today’s clash inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, a potentially explosive one. A point from the match for Al Masry  is as good as putting the Egyptians in the quarterfinals.

It is perhaps with this in mind that the visitors resorted to typical mind game of complaints against Enyimba’s poor reception for them at the airport. They complained of been delayed at the airport with no bus on time to convey them to their hotel. It was all part of the plot to unsettle Enyimba and also prepare ground for hostile atmosphere for the Nigerians when they go to Egypt for their final game against Zamalek.

Al Masry are aware that  a loss may compromise their quarter final ticket even as they have their last game against Black Bulls who interestingly are confronting Zamalek today  in Cairo in their home fixture.  

The last two games are dicey for all four teams in the group. Enyimba need a win this afternoon and against Zamalek, a win  or draw is good enough to see can both teams in the last eight stage in the final game.

A win for Enyimba today will leapfrog the Aba Elephant above Al Masry to seven points behind Zamalek. It is a possibility. 

Since the return of Brown Ideye to the local league with Enyimba and Stanley Eguma taking over from sacked coach Yemi Olanrewaju, the Aba team have scored six times, a total break away from their dull attack witnessed in the last month.

However, should the unexpected happens in Maputo this afternoon with Black Bulls besting Zamalek to all the three points, that will see the Group D go down the wire with the two top teams on eight points with Enyimba on seven battling for lifeline in their last game.

Why Enyimba who lost their opening game to Al Masry 2-0 in Egypt must win today is to avoid a situation where resort to Head-to-Head will not rule against them if that is what is needed to decide the winner of the runners up ticket. Should Al Masry lose today and beat Black Bull in their final game, they too will end up on eight point. Enyimba too can end up on eight if they win today and pull a draw against Zamalek. It is all complicated. The reason it is a win or burst for Enyimba today in Uyo.