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Last Updated: Friday, 12 December, 2003, 19:37 GMT
Enyimba crowned champions
Ismaili's Hosni Abd Rabbou in action at the World Youth Championship
Rabbou, front, scored Ismaili's goal but it was not enough to claim victory
Enyimba have become the first team from Nigeria to claim the African Champions League title, but their victory over Ismaili was overshadowed by crowd violence.

The Nigerians broke a 35-year duck with a 2-1 aggregate win at the end of a tempestuous game that saw two major on-field brawls, rioting in the stands and a 30 minute delay for the post match presentation ceremony.

Ismaili won the second leg 1-0 with a controversial 27th minute penalty.

The Egyptians were handed the penalty when Ugah Okpara appeared to challenge Mohamed Mohsen Abougreisha in the box.

Referee Eddy Maillett's decision was furiously disputed by the Nigerians, who held play up for several minutes before Hosni Abd Rabbou netted from the spot.

Rabbou had only just returned to the side from the World Youth Championship in the UAE.

Eccentric goalkeeping from Enyimba's Vincent Enyeama, who played in the World Cup finals for Nigeria against England last year, kept Ismaili in with a chance for a second goal but the Nigerians rode their luck.

The match deteriorated in the final minutes with several punches and kicks from both sides, sparking off a brawl which stopped play for some six minutes before it was restarted again.

Rioting continued in the stands as the Nigerian's celebrated their historic victory.

It took almost half an hour for some degree of calm to return to the stadium in order for Enyimba to be presented with the Champions League trophy.

Several people were injured duing the rioting, including one of BBC Sport's own reporters.

Last year's African Champions League final between Zamalek of Egypt and Raja Casablanca of Morocco also ended in a mass brawl.




SEE ALSO
Result: Ismaili 1-0 Enyimba
12 Dec 03  |  African



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