As Enyimba prepare to host Wydad Casablanca in their first quarter-final leg of the African Football League (AFL), there is a feeling of excitement and desire to go all the way to the finals.
As current champions of the Nigerian league and past winners of Africa's most elite club competition, Enyimba were expected to at least make the group stage of the ongoing CAF Champions League.
However, the two-time winners of the CAF Champions League got knocked out of the competition by Ahli Benghazi in the first preliminary round in August.
And so, being one of the eight teams taking part in the inaugural African Football League, it became important for Finidi George and his players to reward the fans who were highly disappointed in the team's failure to make the group stage of the Champions League.
While Enyimba players have promised to do their best and deliver a win at home on Sunday, there are players in the Wydad Casablanca side who can hurt the team's desire to go all the way to the finals, and Enyimba really need to be careful of them.
These players have helped Wydad to rank second in the Botola table after six games, just one point behind the league leaders RS Berkane.
Enyimba should watch out for these 5 Wydad AC players
Bouly Junior Sambou
The Senegalese forward has scored three goals for Wydad so far this season across all competitions.
Enyimba's backline must be at their best to keep the striker at bay in the game. His knack for goals has contributed to the team's four wins in six league games and a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
Charki El Bahri
Bahri scored three goals for Wydad AC in the team's last league outing ahead of the clash with Enyimba.
He's an attacking threat that can make the difference on Sunday and the People's Elephants should really take him out of the game if they're to make a good impression in this first leg.
Ayoub El Amloud
Ayoub is a left-back who contributes a lot in attack for the team. So great is his importance going forward that he has netted twice and also made a few assists for the club already this season. He must not be allowed to deliver those crosses into the box.
Hamdou El Houni
Another attacking threat the People's Elephants must watch out for is the Libya international, Hamdou El Houni.
His first goal for the team this season was on the continent in the 3-0 win over Hafia in the CAF Champions League.
As a player who wishes to score more, the game against Enyimba is another chance for him to improve his goal tally.
Yahya Jabrane
The last player Enyimba should watch out for in Uyo is Yahya Jabrane, the captain of the team.
The Moroccan midfielder is a force to reckon with in the middle of the park, he creates and scores for the team.
He was on target in the club's 3-1 win over Zemamra a few weeks ago. He will be looking to captain Wydad to another continental final.
Enyimba will host Wydad Casablanca in Uyo on Sunday, 22 October 2023 at 7 pm. The match will be live on BeIN Sports and the FIFA+ app.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 week ago
