Enyimba succumbed to their second consecutive defeat in the hands of South Africa side Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League yesterday.
The Brazilians, who saw their 2-0 away win against Entente Setif cancelled after the Algerian side were expelled from the competition due to crowd violence, approached the match against Enyimba with zest and controlled possession in the first half.
Their persistence in front of goal paid off as Leonardo Castro scored just before half-time to send the home side into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Paul Aigbogun sent on Mfon Udoh and Peter Onyekachi for Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Ifeanyi Onuigbo respectively as the two-time champions chased the game.
The substitution paid off as they combined to force a corner and Dare Ojo scored from the resultant corner when he blasted in from 25 yards after the goalkeeper had punched the initial set piece away.
The goal was almost a reminiscent of the goal Sunday Oliseh scored in the 3-2 win against Spain at the France 98’ FIFA World Cup.
However, the home side poured forward as they looked to reclaim their lead. Wayne Arendse headed wide while goalscorer Leonardo Castro hit a right foot shot narrowly wide but with 11 minutes left, Sundowns re-took the lead as Arendse’s left foot shot was too hot for Moses Ocheje.
The goal sent the home crowd into wide frenzy as they celebrated widely and their team ensured that the joy was sustained as they held on for the vital 2-1 win.
Enyimba lost their first game 0-1 to Egypt side, Zamalek at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt and must now win their remaining games to stand a chance of reaching the semifinal of the competition.