Tough CAF Cup group challenges for Nigerian clubs Enyimba, Enugu

Nigerian challengers Enyimba and Enugu Rangers were given tough tasks when the CAF Confederation Cup group draw was made in Cairo Tuesday.

Enyimba must secure a top-two finish in Group D, where they will meet San Pedro of the Ivory Coast, Hassania Agadir of Morocco and Paradou of Algeria, to reach the quarter-finals.

Enugu face an even more difficult mission as they share Group A with formidable Egyptian sides Al Masry and Pyramids plus outsiders Nouadhibou of Mauritania.

South African outfit Bidvest Wits were placed in Group B with Horoya of Guinea, Djoliba of Mali and Al Nasr of Libya, whose home matches will be staged in Egypt for security reasons.

Zambian club Zanaco will come up against Renaissance Berkane of Morocco, Daring Club Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo and surprise qualifiers ESAE of Benin in Group C.

Group winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals of the second-tier African club competition, which is partly modelled on the UEFA Europa League.

The 16 survivors from three elimination rounds are guaranteed $275,000 (250,000 euros) while the winners of the final next May pocket $1.25 million.

Like most Nigerian clubs who participate in CAF competitions, Enyimba often struggle against rivals from north Africa, and Agadir and Paradou deserve respect.

Hassania are a combative outfit who got to the quarter-finals last season before losing 1-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Zamalek of Egypt.

CAF debutants Paradou shocked record three-time Confederation Cup trophy-holders CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in a last-32 tie, building a 3-1 lead at home before forcing a 0-0 away stalemate.

- Achieved success -
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