Enyimba International FC put up a spirited display away from home to secure their first point of the season following a goalless draw against their hosts in Kano.
The People’s Elephants started brightly, taking the game to the hosts and creating half chances. In the 14th minute, Joseph Iyanda was through on goal after a fine interchange with Joseph Ihemekwele, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Goalkeeper Dede Dare proved decisive for the Aba giants. He made himself big in the 27th minute to keep Enyimba in the game, and produced two saves in five minutes before the break to ensure the visitors went into the tunnel unscathed. Ihemekwele was again flagged offside in the 30th minute after being set up by Iyanda.
The second half saw more heroics from Dare. He produced double saves in the 50th minute to keep the Elephants locked in the game. The encounter was temporarily halted following heavy wind and rain, but was restarted despite the difficult conditions.
The wind altered the flight of the ball in the 60th minute, but Dare was again equal to the task. Enyimba pushed for a winner as the hosts sat deep to hold on. Dare made two more big saves in three minutes as 10 minutes of added time wound down.
Late in the game, Iyanda Tobi almost snatched victory for Enyimba after a blistering counter-attack involving the lively Wonah William, but the hosts regrouped to deny the visitors a late winner.
Head coach Emmanuel Deutsch praised his boys for what he described as unity, hunger and togetherness, saying they fought for each other and won every second ball.
“What these young men did in Kano today, no team will do it in Kano this season,” the coach said said, singling out goalkeeper Dede Dare as “a true and professional footballer through and through.”
He also thanked the Enyimba Supporters Club, Kano State chapter, for their massive support, describing them as the real heroes for standing with the team even when wind and rain turned the weather hostile.
Next for the People’s Elephants is a home game against Shooting Stars on Wednesday.
