By Olaitan Ibrahim
Enyimba International FC of Aba’s CAF Confederation Cup journey came to a crushing end on Sunday after a demoralising 3-1 defeat to Zamalek SC of Egypt in Cairo.
The loss sealed Enyimba’s fate, leaving the Nigerian club third in Group F with a disappointing five points from six matches, far short of the 18 possible.
This marked their third defeat in the group stage, a campaign plagued by missed opportunities and lacklustre performances.
The Peoples’ Elephant, coached by Stanley Eguma, had already put themselves on the brink after a costly 1-1 draw at home against Al Masry in their penultimate match.
The uphill task in Cairo proved insurmountable as Zamalek showcased their dominance to top the group with an impressive 14 points.
Veteran midfielder Shikabala fired Zamalek ahead in the 29th minute with a clinical finish, setting the tone for a long night for Enyimba.
The Egyptians tightened their grip with a second-half brace from Seifeddine Jaziri, who struck in the 48th and 57th minutes to put the match out of reach.
Enyimba’s Ihemekwele gave the travelling fans a glimmer of hope with a 63rd-minute goal, but Zamalek’s composed and professional game management dashed any chance of a comeback.
In the group’s other fixture, Al Masry secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a resounding 3-1 victory over Black Bulls of Maputo.
Fakhreddine Youssef delivered a sensational hat-trick, ensuring the Egyptian club finished second with nine points.
Youssef’s goals came in the 22nd minute, the brink of half-time, and immediately after the restart, silencing the Mozambican side.
Although Rume Akporoh netted a consolation goal in the 57th minute, it was too little, too late for Black Bulls, who finished bottom of the group.
For Enyimba and Black Bulls, this elimination ends their continental campaigns in disappointment. Both clubs are now left to rue missed opportunities and turn their focus back to domestic competitions.
As Egypt’s two representatives, Zamalek and Al Masry, march into the quarterfinals, they carry the nation’s hopes of continued dominance in African football.
The looming knockout rounds could even deliver an all-Egyptian showdown, with both clubs poised to make deep runs in the competition.
The quarter-final draw is expected to reveal thrilling matchups as the tournament intensifies.