Bidvest Wits were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigerian side Enyimba in the first leg of their Caf Confederations Cup qualifier on Friday evening, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The Clever Boys went into the game looking to reach the group stages of the continental competition for the first time in their history and got off to the perfect start.

With just three minutes on the clock, a mistake at the back gave Wits striker Daine Klate an opportunity at the back post which he gratefully accepted, tapping home.

It did not take the Nigerian giants long to hit back. Abdulrahman Bashir played a lovely through ball to put Ibrahim Mustapha clear on, and the striker made no mistake, slotting his shot under Moneeb Josephs.

Both teams were contributing to the high tempo of the game, looking to get forward at every opportunity. Despite a few half chances, neither team could find the back of the net, 1-1 at the break with the game very much in the balance.

Wits started the second half the stronger of the two sides and came close to taking back their lead when Reeve Frosler had his effort cleared off the line by Isiaka Oladuntoye.

Wits were on the front foot and continued to push forward but were struggling to create any chances of note. Eleazar Rodgers then came close to grabbing a goal but his shot was expertly saved by Fatau Dauda in the Enyimba goal.

The Nigerians were holding on and try as they might, the South African side could not get past the away side’s stubborn defence, 1-1 the fulltime score.

The tie hangs in the balance but Enyimba will be confident of their chances after grabbing a vital away goal.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix