Lobi Stars’ 1-0 loss away to ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire has set the Makurdi-based Nigerian champions up for a tense war in Group A of the CAF Champions League, as the pool is so tight after two match days.
While Lobi fell on the road in Abidjan, the team they beat 2-1 in their first game of the groups tage, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won by the same margin against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
Lobi will be up next against the 2017 champions, who have the Nigerian duo of Michael Babatunde and Okechukwu Gabriel on their cards, such that a feisty battle is expected, and only the tougher side will rule.
This was after the Nigerian ‘truncated’ league winners slipped in a 1-0 loss away to ASEC, who had Ahmed Herve Diamonde’s 38th minute spot kick to thank for securing three points in Abidjan.
On the other hand, Themba Zwane was the hero for Sundowns, as his well-taken brace ensured Mohamed Nahiri’s first-half pile-driver proved nothing more than a consolation for Wydad.
The South African midfielder’s goals came either side of Nahiri’s effort for Wyday, and left all four teams equal on three points in Group A, thereby creating room for a terse run all the way to the final match day.
