Enyimba’s hope of reaching the knock-out phase of CAF Confederation suffered a setback after they went down 1-0 in the fifth group game against Al Ahli Benghazi of Libya on Thursday.
Enyimba went into the game knowing a win would have guaranteed them a place in the last four of the competition after Orlando Pirates failed to beat ES Setif on Wednesday, but it was the host who got the needed win to remain in contention.
The Aba Elephants had the best chance to score the opener in the 32nd minute, but forward Tosin Omoyele fluffed it.
Enyimba were made to pay for the miss as Muttasem Ballah El Taib gave Ahli Benghazi the lead eight minutes later.
Enyimba’s woes were compounded when influential captain Austin Oladapo limped off the pitch with I jury and has been replaced by Anthony Omaka.
The eight-time Nigerian champions’ hope of getting a draw was dashed after the referee issued a straight red card to Timothy Danladi with a quarter-half hour left to play.
The hosts held on to their advantage until the final whistle to leapfrog the Aba Elephants on the table.
Following the defeat, Enyimba slipped to third on the log with six points, while Ahli Benghazi moved to second with seven points.
Orlando Pirates remain on top with nine points while ES Setif of Algeria occupies the bottom with five points, one adrift Enyimba.
For Enyimba to qualify, they need to beat Orlando Pirates in their last group game by 1-0 or by a 2 goal margin, because the Pirates lead 2-1 on head-to-head.
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