Nigerian side Plateau United claimed a positive result as they held Stade Mandji to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash at the Stade Franceville on Saturday.
Goals from Nnerot Silas and Zulkifilu Mohammed ensured the Peace Boys got off to a bright start and also gave the Nigeria Professional Football League side the crucial away goals advantage ahead of the return leg.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side enjoyed an incredible dominance but were unlucky not to come away with victory as the Jos club twice gained the lead before they were pegged back by their hosts as all four goals came in the first half.
Silas opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the encounter but the hosts responded immediately after just a minute to level matters.
The Nigerian side retook the lead in the 38th minute but the hosts once again leveled almost of the brink of half time break. On return from recess, both teams could not be seperated in the course of the second half as they settled a stalemate.
And Plateau United manager Pius Henwan is condent they can about everything is been done to ensure that the team play its CAF matches in Jos as they hope to attract government effects some repairs at the new Jos stadium.
“I intend to discuss the issue with governor Simon Lalong with a view to ensuring that government release the much needed funds to effect the repairs as fast as possible with less than two months to the commencement of the competition.
” It will not make any sense to qualify for the CAF Champions League and play the match outside Jos. That will not be fair to our loyal fans and the good people of Plateau State who have been supporting us passionately."
With the first leg away goals, Ilechukwu's men will be eager to finish the job in the second leg scheduled for an adopted Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 18 September following Caf disapproval of the Jos stadium.
This year, Nigerian campaigners Plateau United and Rivers United are looking to become the second Nigerian side to win CAF Champions League after Enyimba won the title in 2003 and 2004.
