CAF CC: Gimba Ajiji’s last gasp goal salvages point for ElKanemi Warriors vs Dadje

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

El Kanemi Warriors played out a 1-1 draw with Dadje FC from Benin Republic in the first leg of the Preliminary Round of 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State on Saturday.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a fine finish from Bless Salassi (Bakai).

The 2024 Nigerian President Federation Cup winners pilled up pressure in a bid to restore parity to no avail despite numerous chances including hitting the cross bar.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side leveled the scoreline with virtually the last action of the game in the additional minutes of the second half as Gimba Ajiji headed into the back of the net.

Head coach of El-Kanemi Warriors Zubairu stated that match rustiness and lack of friendly matches cost the team chances of winning the game.

“The number of goals we missed was too many. We were very wasteful in front of goal,” coach Zubairu told journalists after the match.

“We didn’t have friendly matches to play and only had practices in Maiduguri. The time we were supposed to come out for pre season matches, that was when the protest began in he country and His Excellency the Governor said we should not risk any team leaving the state until the 10th when the protest ended. At that time, the match is near.

“Certainly inability to play matches really showed in our game.”

The return leg in Benin Republic will take place on August 24, 2024.