Advantage Enyimba in African Champions League semi-final

Enyimba of Nigeria staked a strong claim for a place in the African Champions League final after holding USMA of Algeria 1-1.

The second leg of the semi-final will be played next Saturday in Aba, a town in south-east Nigeria where Enyimba have won all five home matches this year in the competition with a 17-3 goal tally.

While Enyimba have been invincible at home, USMA won only once away in five matches en route to the penultimate phase of the three-million-dollar showcase of African club football.

No Nigerian club has won the Champions League since its inception in 1964 although Shooting Stars came close seven years ago, losing on penalties to Zamalek of Egypt.

Moncef Ouichaoui converted a twice-taken penalty kick to give USMA the lead after 40 minutes in the Algerian capital and Michael Ochei levelled with 62 minutes gone of an open, sometimes overly physical encounter.

The Nigerians had to play the last 20 minutes without Ajibade Omolade, who was sent off by Benin referee Codji Coffi for a late tackle from behind that floored Hocine Achiou.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Nigerians comfortably contained Algerian opponents whose energy and morale was sapped by the equaliser at the 80,000-seat July 5 Stadium.

USMA, the least impressive qualifiers for the semi-finals, gave a rare place in their starting line-up to veteran midfielder Mahieddine Meftah while Enyimba left in-form striker Ndidi Anumnu on the bench.

A lively start on a pitch littered with divots saw Enyimba goalkeeper Victor Enyeama cut off two crosses and David Tyakase sting the fingers of Mohamed Mezair at the other end.

The Algerians came close with eight minutes gone as Omar Ammour set up Abed Benchergui, whose shot rebounded off the base of a post to a collective groan from USMA supporters waving huge club and national flags.

Most attacks were coming from USMA and midfield general Bilal Dziri was cynically fouled several times as Enyimba struggled to contain the 'Oasis Boys'.

Unmarked Benchergui squandered a half chance as his header sailed over and Tyakase stretched Mezair at the other end with a snap low shot before USMA broke the deadlock.

Enyeama fouled Benchergui in the area and after fierce protests from numerous Nigerians, Ouichaoui scored from the spot only for the goal to be disallowed because players had entered the penalty area too soon.

Displaying remarkable calm, Ouichaoui once again drove a low penalty kick past Enyeama to reward the Algerians for their adventurous approach and creativity.

Anumnu replaced Tyakase with 58 minutes gone and soon the clubs were level as slick passing opened the USMA defence and the previously anonymous Ochei flicked the ball over Mezair and the ball rolled slowly into the net.

Psychologically shattered USMA were lucky not to concede another goal deep into stoppage time when Anumnu passed captain Mounir Zeghdoud and beat Mezair with a scorching shot that rattled the side netting.