In the first match in the group stage of CAF Champions League 2008, played on Friday 18 July 2008 in Omdurman at Al-Hilal stadium which filled to its capacity by supporters and die-hard fans, the Nigerian side Enyimba became victim No. 108 to be defeated in this ground which affectionately dubbed by the fans the “ENEMY GRAVE”, a record of a kind is registered in this ground because Al-Hilal never lost for any team since 2001 at this turf.
The young Nigerian played their heart out but they conceded a last minute goal to go down to a at the hands of hosts Al Hilal of Sudan, with final result read 3-2.
Ironically, the defeat of the two-time Champions League winners was engineered by two Nigerians, with former Enyimba fullback Yusuf Mohamed scoring against his old club, and then Ifeanyi Onigbo grabbing a dramatic late winner.
Enyimba took the lead in the 35th minute after dominating the early exchanges during which both sides had good chances to score. A thrilling run through the middle by Stephen Worgu set up Cletus Itodo for the opening goal, a simple put away that silenced a vociferous home crowd.
Haitham Mostafa scored the first goal for Al-Hilal from a penalty, after a tackle was committed in the 43 minute by the Nigerian defender, against Ahmad Adil.
In the opening minutes of the second half Yusuf Mohamed squeezed home a long range shot against his former teammates, which he celebrated with much gusto.
Enyimba was back into the game when Worgu converted a chance with just four minutes left, but substitute Ifeanyi grabbed the last minute winner to give Al Hilal a tough win and the 3 points.
