Enyimba’s Wasiu Alalade ‘disappointed’ with Williamsville loss

Enyimba’s Wasiu Alalade says his side were not at the utmost best in their Caf Confederation Cup group stage encounter on Sunday.

Jean-Willy Kouassi’s 31st minute brilliant strike plus Guy Yameogo’s 76th minute powerful header condemned the People Elephants to a 2-0 defeat at the Stade Robert Champroux, Abidjan.

The two-time Caf Champions League winners started well in the opening half-hour before Yao Kouassi’s pass found Jean-Willy, who netted the opener in the 31st minute after firing a low shot past Enyimba goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.

The Nigerian giants' attempts to come back into the game were dashed as the Ivorian side guaranteed their victory when Kouakou Ettien’s corner was headed home by Yameogo in the 76th minute.

Reacting to the defeat, the former ABS man lamented his side’s failure to replicate their winning form in the initial leg in Port Harcourt but is upbeat they will put up a better display against Djoliba in Bamako.

“I felt disappointed that we lost such an important game to Williamsville in Abidjan," Alalade told Goal.

“This was not what we anticipated coming here from Nigeria. We prepared for the match and hoped that we could get a least a draw to boost our chances but things didn’t turn out in our favour.

“We started well but lost concentration at some points and could not still our game plan. That’s football. We must put this loss behind us and look ahead for our next match in Bamako.

“I believe we can still make it out of the group stage if we put in everything against Djoliba. It is an important match and crucial in our quest to qualify. We will go back home to prepare better for the match.”

Usman Abdullah's men are now third with six points and will face rock-bottom Djoliba at the Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako on August 19.