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CAF CC: Abia Warriors face uphill battle after late equalizer against Djoliba
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Abia Warriors were left frustrated on Sunday after conceding a late goal in their CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) debut, settling for a 1-1 draw with Malian giants Djoliba in Uyo.
At the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Emeka Obioma gave the home fans plenty to cheer about when he rose highest to head home the opener in the 21st minute.
The strike marked Abia Warriors’ first-ever continental goal in their maiden Confederation Cup campaign.
Imama Amapakabo’s men worked hard to protect their lead, but their resistance was broken two minutes from time as Djoliba snatched an equalizer in the 88th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced.
The result means Abia Warriors must now get a win or secure another score draw in Bamako to stand any chance of progressing to the next round.
The return leg is scheduled for September 28, 2025, at the Stade du 26 Mars in the Malian capital.
Abia Warriors qualified for this year’s competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 NPFL season and will need to summon all their grit to extend their maiden African adventure.
