25th March, 2012
Nigeria’s Warri Wolves began their campaign in the 2012 CAF Confederation Cup on a goalless note at the National Stadium in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Saturday.
The Nigerians and their Sierra Leonean counterparts, FC Kallon battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, round of 32 in Africa’s second tier club competition.
Wolves’ head coach, Maurice Cooreman, started with a back four led by Captain Goodluck Onamado, Azubuike Egwuekwe, ThankGod Ike and Mine Ojo, while Uche Ossai surprisingly played in front of the defense in a holding role.
The tactics to play the attack-minded Ossai in a holding midfielder role paid off as he ensured that former Inter Milan striker, Mohammed Kallon had little or no influence in the game.
The block-marking of Ossai on Kallon frustrated the owner of FC Kallon, who decided to adopt a rough approach to the game and was booked in the 64th minute.
Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim was in his best form as he also did well to keep out goal attempts by FC Kallon to ensure Wolves left Freetown unscathed.
Cooreman praised his team for securing a draw in Freetown in the post-match conference and assured that Wolves will win the return leg.
The Belgian was happy with Ossai for adapting to the defensive midfielder role, where he helped shut out ex-AS Monaco man, Kallon.
The former Kaduna United coach explained that he opted to play Ossai in a defensive midfielder position owing to the information he got about FC Kallon.
Cooreman, however, defended his men’s untidy football, blaming it on the turf of the National Stadium in Freetown.
Wolves will play hosts to FC Kallon in a fortnight at the Warri City Stadium in Delta State.