CAFCC: Plateau United capitulation ‘difficult’ to analyze – Ilechukwu

Fidelis Ilechukwu is devastated after Plateau United failed to make into the Group phase of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Plateau United bottled a 4-1 first leg win against Al Akhdar, losing 3-0 in the second leg to bow out of the tournament 4-4 on aggregate.

The first half in Benghazi ended without a goal, but Al Akhdar scored three goals in the second forty-five minutes to send the Nigerian team packing.

While speaking after the game, Ilechukwu shock at the team’s performance, but tender apology to Club fans.

“It was a disappointing game and a sad evening for me and the entire team, as it was one of the low moments of my coaching career.

“I would never have imagined Plateau United not qualifying for the group stage of the Confederation Cup with a 3-0 advantage after the 1st half ended 0-0.

“Having learnt a bitter lesson in the Champions League game against Esperance in Tunis, we came into the game against Al Akhdar full of confidence.

“At a point, we had the game in our hands and almost made history for ourselves but not converting the half chances that came our way, was our biggest challenge.

“Plateau United scoring a goal or two in Benghazi would have broken barriers. I have tried to recall and analyse a few high points of the game but difficult for me to say exactly how we conceded the third goal in added time.

“Our campaign may have ended abruptly, but I want to reassure Nigerians that the team will bounce back from the ashes of the painful defeat in Benghazi,” He concluded.