Enyimba’s hope of progressing to the next round of the maiden African football League became slimmer as the Aba based clubside lost 1-0 to Morrocan side Wydad Athletic Club at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.
Wydad Athletic Club started the game like a house on fire and played counter-pressing football.
Enyimba did eventually find their rhythm and almost found the back of the net after forward, Mbaoma Chijioke’s wonder-strike came off the crossbar in the early opening minutes of the first half.
The North Africans tried to soak pressure and continued their counter -pressing game and it eventually paid off.
Wydad Athletic put a spirited dispaly that earned them a penalty after Ayoub El Amloud was fouled inside the box in the 37th minute of the fiesty encounter.
Captain Yahya Jabrane scored the spot kick to ensure the North Africans go home with the confidence boosting advantage.
All efforts by the Nigerian champions to level scores in the game proved abortive as the North Africans put up a solid defense.
The reverse fixture will be held at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca in a week’s time to determine the aggrgate scoreline and the side which will progress between the two sides.
Enyimba earned qualification into the maiden edition of the lucrative African Football League by virtue of popularity on the continent andlevel of involvements in CAF competitions in recent years.