Nigerian forwards Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba starred for Mozambican champions Black Bulls, leading their team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Nigerian giants Enyimba in a CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match. The defeat dealt a significant blow to Enyimba’s campaign, leaving them bottom of the group with just one point at the halfway stage. In contrast, the Black Bulls, energized by their home crowd in Maputo, moved to four points and kept their hopes alive in the mini-league phase. The match highlighted the striking prowess of the Nigerian duo, who played pivotal roles in dismantling Enyimba’s defense.

The match saw the Black Bulls capitalize on their early momentum, taking the lead in the 17th minute when Akporoh rose above the Enyimba defense to head home from a well-taken corner. The hosts maintained their dominance into the second half, doubling their advantage with another goal from a set piece. The icing on the cake came in the 84th minute when Ayuba, a former Flying Eagles striker who replaced the injured team captain in the first half, showcased his sharp instincts to seal the victory. Enyimba, known as ‘The People’s Elephant,’ struggled to create meaningful chances and were unable to recover from the relentless pressure applied by the Black Bulls.

This result significantly impacts the group standings, with Black Bulls joining Egyptian sides Zamalek and Al Masry on four points, while Enyimba remain rooted at the bottom. The Nigerian club now faces an uphill battle to revive their campaign when they host the Black Bulls in a reverse fixture scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Uyo. Meanwhile, Zamalek and Al Masry, who are tied on points, are set to face off in an eagerly anticipated Egyptian derby later today. The outcome of this derby will further shape the dynamics of the group, but for Enyimba, the immediate focus will be on regrouping and delivering a much-improved performance in front of their home fans.