Enyimba’s Usman Abdallah targets Caf Confederation Cup semi-final

Enyimba coach, Usman Abdallah has stressed that the People’s Elephant’s immediate target is to progress to the semi-final of the Caf Confederation Cup after they sailed through to the last eight as Group C winners on Wednesday.

The People’s Elephant had the privilege of returning back to their home ground for the first time in almost three years and they needed a late goal from Wasiu Alalade to send back CARA Brazzaville of Congo empty-handed.

Speaking shortly his players' heroics at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, Abdallah who plotted the fall of the Congolese revealed that it was important for them not to be distracted by the euphoria of their midweek win as they concentrate on their would-be opponents in the quarter-final stage.

“I will say we are done with the group stage matches and are very delighted to have qualified for the quarter-final,” Abdallah told Goal.

“We don’t need to over-celebrate it because we still have the big task ahead of us which is to qualify for the semi-final. It is our objective for now and we shall start our preparations towards that almost immediately.

“We can’t afford to joke with whoever emerges as our opponents on Monday. We shall prepare very well and it is our determination to qualify for the semi-final where I feel that anything can happen thereafter.

“I want to thank the players, our fans and the management for making our return to Aba a joyous occasion. It was a good experience that we marked our return with a win. We still have our target right before us and we must do everything possible to achieve it.”

Ahead of the Monday’s draw in Cairo, Egypt, the People’s Elephant tactician opined that they are not afraid of whoever they are pitted against at the end of the draw.

He said it is their resolve to prepare for all the remaining teams equally and that they are not going to underrate any of them as it is their desire to treat their rivals with respect and dignity before beating them.

“I will say we are ready for any team we are drawn against,” Abdallah added.

“We have to be ready to play any team that comes our way if we are to win the competition. We will be ready for them. We shall treat our opponents with respect and dignity. We don’t have to be arrogant but the bottom line is that we want to win.”

Enyimba will face either Rayon Sports (Rwanda), Al Masry (Egypt) or AS Vita Club (Congo DR) in the draw that will be conducted in Cairo, Egypt on Monday.