News Article by REUTERS posted on July 19, 2008 at 02:12:52: EST (-5 GMT)
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SPORTS: Nigerian Ifeanyi ensures late win for Sudan’s Al Hilal KHARTOUM, July 18 (Reuters) - Nigerian striker Onigbo Ifeanyi scored a last-minute winner against his compatriots on Friday to lead Sudan’s Al Hilal to a 3-2 win over Enyimba in the opening match of the group phase of the African Champions League. Substitute Ifeanyi headed home after Enyimba goalkeeper Sani Ualiru missed a clearing punch to secure the first points in Group B for last year’s semi-finalists. Enyimba, twice winners of the continent’s top club competition, came close to snatching a vital away point despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men. Enyimba looked to have secured a draw when Stephen Worgu scored from close range in the 86th minute. Enyimba had opened the scoring after a strong first-half showing when Worgu’s mazy run set up Cletus Itodo for a goal in the 35th minute. Al Hilal were given a lucky penalty just before the break after Ahmed Adel Ahmed tumbled down under a challenge from giant defender Okey Odita. Odita was booked for the alleged foul and later sent off for a second caution in the 62nd minute. By that time Al Hilal had come from a goal down to lead 2-1. Captain Haitham Mostafa converted the disputed penalty and former Enyimba fullback Yusuf Mohamed scored against his old club with a long-range shot just 50 seconds into the second half. Cameroon’s Coton Sport host TP Mazembe Englebert in Group B’s other match this weekend, on Saturday in Garoua. On Sunday, Group A begins when Dynamos of Zimbabwe host ASEC Abidjan of the Ivory Coast in Harare and Egyptian giants Al Ahli and Zamalek meet in the Cairo derby.
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