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The Confederation Cup debutant Remo Stars started their season with a draw against Moroccan club ASFAR which took place at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat on Sunday. The debutant seemed to be in good rhythm in the match. As the CAF continental games pick up the pace, you can also pick up your luck at the official Betking mobile app and make a fortune with a tip of your finger.
Within five minutes of play, ASFAR made a shot on target but the goalkeeper of the Remo Stars, Bankole Kayode went for a big save. In the sixth minute of the match, Daniel Ogunmodede’s team created a great chance through Adams Olamilekan’s pass. But Edidiong Ezekiel failed to convert the opportunity into a goal. Seun Ogunrinde was also denied by the crossbar once. Isah Ali missed a loose ball to send it wide apart. In the twenty seventh minute Diney Borges scored to give ASFAR a 1-0 lead. Bankole Kayode seemed unhappy for conceding a cheap goal. ASFAR tried to increase the difference but were denied by Bankole Kayod in the last ten minutes of the first break. But just in the fourth minute of the second half Adams Olamilekan’s head from a corner shot delivered the much needed equalizer for the visiting team. Fernando Da Cruz’s team created opportunities but were failed repeatedly by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Former Lobi Stars player, Adams Olamilekan cherished the first ever goal of Remo Stars in a continental fixture. He shared his emotion on Twitter with a touching note.
This match fixture was one of the most discussed fixtures as the Sky Blues was debuting against the mighty Moroccans. The night will be certainly memorable for the Remo Stars. Now, they will be preparing to pull off the second leg at the home ground at Ikenne on 18th of September at 4 pm (Nigeria Time).
Only five Nigerian clubs have qualified the preliminary stage of CAF inter-club competitions in the last 10 seasons. The Nigerian clubs go through a shortage of time in recruitment and adaptation of new players after signing them. It is a usual case for these clubs that after a great season players leave the club to sign for foreign clubs. To compensate for the vacancy, Nigerian clubs have to sign players in bulk before an upcoming session.
Remo Stars signed several new players before the CAF Confederation Cup; Adams Olamilekan, Edidiong Ezekiel, goalkeeper Vincent Edafe and Nwaeze Boniface. The team also appointed Akwa United’s Seth Mayi and FC One Rocket’s Aniekeme Okon. Whereas Sikiru Alimi pulled out of the club after the termination of the contract.
Other three participating Nigerian clubs in CAF champions league and CAF confederation cup also performed upto the mark in their first leg. Nigeria Professional Football League Champions, Rivers United smashed Watanga FC with a 3-0 win at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. On the other hand, Plateau United pulled a draw against Stade Mandji. Kwara United secured a 3-0 victory over AS Douanes at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
