CAF Champions League: Lobi Stars in smooth take-off

Lobi stars began their CAF Champions League group stage campaign on a victorious note Friday, handing visiting Mmelodi sundowns of South Africa a 2-1 defeat at the Cathedral in Enugu.

The Makurdi side suffered an initial scare when the visitors shot into the lead in the 38th minute of the match through their Liberian import Anthony Laffor.

Laffor had enjoyed a timely assist from Uruguan Leandro Gastón Sirino and made no mistake in making mincemeat of the opportunity.

The visitors were looking good to end the first half leading the pack but a penalty to Lobi just before the end of first half was converted by Yaya Kone to leave score line at 1-1 at half time.

On resumption of hostilities in the second half Lobi went in search of the needed winner which eventually came in the 52nd minute of the match thanks to Mathias Martins sometimes called MSM by his close friends who desire to dish out his name in full Mathias Samuel Martins.

Coach of the side Solomon Ogbeide introduced Otakho Aghahowa and Super Eagles defender Kwambe Solomon all aimed at consolidating at the back while pushing up front, but the visitors held their own refusing to allow any room for any further damage.

Centre referee Ghead Grisha however dished out four yellow cards in the course of the match with three going to Lobi Stars and one to the Mamelodi. Lobi are group A which also has Wydad Casablanca and Asec Mimosas of Cote d Ivoire were also billed to clash same day at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco