Afelokhai's saves earn Enyimba draw against MFM FC

Stunning saves, breathtaking stops and impossible catches by goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai, through the duration of the game was what earned Enyimba a draw against Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Afelokhai was the hero, weeks ago at Sousse in the CAF Champions League tie against Etoile du Sahel, again he proved to be an astute signing during the off-season, pulliing off unbelievable saves and generally frustrating the opposition with his brilliance between the sticks.

Coach Paul Aigbogun restored the 28-year old to the starting lineup after he was rested in the game against Niger Tornadoes.

Afelokhai's heroics started in the 6th minute when he made a brilliant save to deny Sttephen Odey's goal-bound effort.

Three minutes later, MFMFC struck the woodwork after Sikiru Olatunbosun expertly lobbed Afelokhai. Fans were already jubilant with Afelokai beaten already, only to see the ball crash against the upright.

Abu Azeez was presented a glorious chance in the 22nd minute but the Lagos-born forward couldn't apply the telling finish when he was faced with Folarin Abayomi.

Leonard Ugochukwu hit the post before Afelokhai was called upon for action at the other end to make an unbelievable double save to stop Musa Newman and Odey from getting on the scoresheet as the first half wore on.

Nzube Anaezemba got sent-off in the 75th minute after bagging a second yellow card for simulation. The diminutive midfielder's first yellow card was for handling the ball in the 12th minute of the encounter.

Substitute Mfon Udoh spurned two great chances to put Enyimba ahead late in the game, the forward was put through on goal, one-on-one against goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi but he couldn't bury the chances.

Enyimba extend their unbeaten run to six games and drop one place to 12th on the league table with 21 points and three games in hand.

Enyimba XI: Theophilus Afelokhai, Dare Ojo, Idris Aloma, Kelly Kester, Ike ThankGod, Chiedu Udoji, Joseph Osadiaye, Nzube Anaezemba, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Abu Azeez, Ugochukwu Leonard

SUBS: Moses Ocheje, Ifeanyi George, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Sikiru Kamal, Ezekiel Bassey, Peter Onyekachi, Mfon Udoh

MFMFC XI: Folarin Abayomi, Okorom Stanley, Julius Emiloju, Opara Austine, Obanor Erhun, Alasha Ajibola, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Onuwa Chukwuka, Newman Musa, Olatunbosun Sikiru, Stephen Odey