Enyimba’s stubborn defensive show was undone by a late moment of brilliance and a costly first-half red card, as the People’s Elephant fell 1–0 to Khalifat in a tense, tactical encounter.
The result, decided by Ebuka’s curling 67th-minute free kick, left Enyimba ruing missed chances and a lapse in discipline that tilted the balance against them.
Enyimba opened cautiously, absorbing early Khalifat pressure. Within two minutes, goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga was forced into a hurried clearance—a sign of the nervous energy in the back line.
Moments later, he was fouled inside his six-yard box, allowing the visitors to regroup. Yet Khalifat’s persistent aerial threat and repeated corner kicks kept Enyimba under strain.
The visitors grew into the game around the 15-minute mark. Kalu Nweke’s pinpoint free kick met Abiodun’s header, which skimmed wide by inches. Encouraged, Enyimba began to find their rhythm—quick passes, sharp interplays, and Nweke’s blocked shot hinting at their attacking intent.
Their best chance came in the 32nd minute, when Abiodun broke free one-on-one with the keeper but saw his effort ricochet off the post. The miss would later haunt them.
Just before halftime, the contest tilted. Midfielder Ndedi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing Enyimba to play the entire second half with ten men.
Coach Stanley Eguma responded by replacing Kingsley Maduforo with Ufere Chinedu at the restart, reinforcing midfield stability.
For 20 disciplined minutes, Enyimba held firm. Ogunga produced a spectacular save in the 55th minute, denying Khalifat from close range. But fatigue began to show, and space opened up.
In the 67th minute, Khalifat’s Ebuka stepped up for a free kick and curled a beauty beyond Ogunga’s reach. The strike finally broke Enyimba’s resolve.
Eguma made a bold triple substitution between the 76th and 82nd minutes, bringing on Quadiri, Edidiong, and Nwaorisa for Chidera, Nweke, and Abiodun. The new energy revitalized the attack, but Khalifat’s deep defensive line and time-wasting tactics disrupted Enyimba’s rhythm.
In stoppage time, Ogunga’s clearance error nearly gifted Khalifat a second goal, but Afolayan produced a heroic double save to keep the margin narrow.
Commentary:
Ndedi’s red card was decisive. Playing over 45 minutes a man short crippled Enyimba’s offensive balance. Eguma’s reshuffles were logical and proactive. His substitutions showed awareness, even if the numerical gap limited their effect. Abiodun’s near miss off the post at 0–0 was the game’s turning point. Ogunga was immense under pressure—his saves kept Enyimba alive—but he flirted with danger late on.
After scoring, the hosts expertly slowed play and broke Enyimba’s momentum, showing superior composure.
Final Verdict
Despite being reduced to ten men, Enyimba exhibited heart, structure, and adaptability. Yet football’s fine margins punished their indiscipline and wastefulness. With lessons to take forward, Coach Eguma’s men can draw positives from their organized defensive shape and tactical flexibility—qualities that will serve them well as the season unfolds.
