Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Enyimba are on the verge of exciting CAF Champions League following a 3-0 loss to Al Merreikh.

Enyimba who is Nigeria sole representative in the continental interclub competition saw themselves struggling against the Sudanese side.

It took just six minutes before the host found the net through Saifeldin Maki at the Al Hilal Stadium.

The forward who scored a hat trick scored the first goal in an impressive fashion as he dribbled past Enyimba goalkeeper Bassa Djeri to slot in the ball.

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The People’s Elephants began to push for the equalizer leaving their back open.

Al Merreikh exploited that opportunity with a counter attack to make it 2-0 with Maki scoring his second a minute before half time.

Nabil Yarou and Tosin Omoyele were introduced into the game by Enyimba head coach Fatai Osho to beef the attack and get a goal.

Enyimba pushed harder but their effort could not reduce the deficit before they were dealt with the final blow.

Maki scored in regulation time to make it 3-0 and give Al Merreikh the hope of qualifying to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

The NPFL side will be walking on a tight rope going to the second leg as they need four goals to overturn the deficit.

In other CAF Champions League games played on Wednesday, there was three home and awaybwons while four games ended in stalemate.

Champions Al Ahly made a clear statement of their intention to successfully defend the title as they defeated AS Sonidep 1-0 away.

TP Mazembe also won 2-1 on the road against Bouenguidi while Asante Kotoko loss 1-0 at home to El Hilal.

Here are results of the CAF Champions League knockout round results.