By Ibrahim Tukur
 
El-Kanemi Warriors football club of Maiduguri was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic’s Dadje FC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie on Saturday. 
 
The Maiduguri-based warriors dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to convert their chances into goals. 
 
It was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 60th minute through Bless Salassi, leaving the home fans stunned.
 
Undeterred, the El-Kanemi Warriors pressed forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Gimba Ajiji found the back of the net to salvage a point for the hosts.
 
El-Kanemi Warrriors’ head coach, Zubairu Aliyu, missed chances by his side. “We dominated the game and created several chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Credit goes to Dadje FC; they defended well and punished us on the counterattack. However, we showed great character to come back and salvage a point.”
 
Aliyu also decried that, due to a lack of Grade A friendlies, his team was unable to secure victory in the CAF Confederation Cup.
 
The result sets up a thrilling return leg in Benin next weekend, with both teams in contention to progress to the next round of the competition. A capacity crowd is expected in Cotonou as the two sides battle it out for a place in the group stage.