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CAFCL: Ilechukwu talks up Plateau United chances to upset Esperance in Tunisia
By Wale Mustapha
Technical Adviser of Plateau United, Fidelis Ilechukwu has expressed confidence in his team’s chances to complete the task in the second leg, second round of CAF Champions League against Esperance.
Plateau United will be heading to the reverse fixture in Tunis next weekend with a slim chances following their hard fought 2-1 first leg win in Abuja on Sunday.
Gabriel Ikechukwu and Ibrahim Mustapha headed goals for the Tin City club off a brilliant long throws from captain Daniel Itodo canceled out an early goal from Badri.
The hosts had numerous chances to increase the tally in the second half that would have made the return leg a mere formality but couldn’t find right initiative to break their opponents’ defense.
Despite a seeming tough task for Plateau United heading to Tunis for the return leg as it is usually the case for Nigerian clubs going to North African side, Ilechukwu said the task is not impossible to achieve as he remained positive his team would do the unexpected.
“It was a decent result for us but we are still very far from the doing job,” he told Nigeriafootball.com.
“Very difficult to beat Esperance but I’m proud of my team, I commend their resilience and attitude to come back and get us the win.
“This victory will count after the second leg, although I trust my players they will make themselves and Nigeria proud.
The winner of the group will qualify for the money spinning group stage of the CAF Champions League while the loser will drop to the Confederations Cup cadre.
