MFM FC of Nigeria are through to the next round of the CAF Champions League after beating visiting Real Bamako of Mali 1-0 in Lagos to progress on a 2-1 aggregate score.
The Nigerians drew 1-1 in the first leg played in Mali, and after a goalless first half, Chijioke Akuneto scored the goal which ended as the winner for MFM ten minutes before full time.
He connected a well delivered cross by Abayomi Lawal with a firm header which left the goalkeeper of the visitors stranded between the post. They hanged on to seal a well deserved win for the church backed side.
Campaigning in the tournament for the first time after their surprised second placed finish last season in the Nigeria Professional Football League, MFM FC have surprised many with the result over the Malians.
The boys of coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will now take on the winner between A.S Otoho of Congo Brazzaville and Mouloudia Club de Algeria. The Congolese side are leading 2-0 on aggregate ahead of today’s return leg clash scheduled for 7pm.
Samson James
