Nigeria champions, Enyimba went down to a 2-1 defeat against Vital’0 Football Club of Burundi in the second leg of their CAF Champions League First Round fixture in Bujumbura on Saturday, but the People’s Elephant still progressed to the Second Round of the competition on a 6-3 aggregate scoreline.
Enyimba who won the first leg 5-1 last weekend at their makeshift home ground in Port Harcourt, started the game brightly with Mfom Udoh getting close to scoring for his side as early as the fifth minute.
Enyimba took the lead in the 28 minute through Ikechukwu Ibenegbu.
The midfielder rose above Vital’0 defenders to put home Joseph Osadiaye’s cross for his first goal for the club since his move from Warri Wolves.
Parity was restored two minutes later with Shasiri Nahimana grabbing the equaliser for the hosts.
Laudit Marugo put Vital’0 ahead for the first time in the game early in the second half.
Their hope of staging a memorable comeback was however dashed when goalkeeper Mac Arthur Arakza was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.