Rivers United coach optimistic despite slim win against USM Alger

The technical adviser of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma remains confident in his team’s ability to deliver an improved performance in the upcoming return leg fixture against USM Alger, following their narrow 1-0 victory in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final first-leg clash.

The Pride of Rivers secured the win courtesy of Augustine Okejepha’s early goal at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, March 31. Despite the positive result, Eguma acknowledged areas for improvement and vowed to address them ahead of the crucial return leg in Algiers.

Expressing his disappointment with the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, Eguma emphasised the need to work on converting chances effectively.

He commended his team’s effort in creating scoring opportunities but highlighted over-anxiety as a factor that hindered their finishing.

Eguma emphasised the importance of securing the win despite the missed chances and stressed the team’s determination to rectify their performance in Algeria.

Drawing parallels to a previous season’s experience, where they overturned a home defeat with a draw away, Eguma expressed confidence in his team’s ability to put up a strong fight and secure a favorable outcome in the return leg.

Looking ahead to the return leg at the Stade du 5 Juillet, Eguma assured fans that Rivers United would approach the game with determination and optimism, aiming to secure a better result and advance in the competition.

His words: “We started with a lot of intensity which yielded that early goal. I thought my boys would continue that way. We worked hard to create a lot of scoring chances but unfortunately, the chances were not converted. The scoreline did not reflect the standard of our play.

“I was impressed with my team’s level of chance creation but over-anxiety affected them in scoring during vital moments.

“We will go back to the drawing board and see how we can improve on that. For the scoreline, we just thank God we were able to win because that is the most important thing.

“At this stage last season, we lost our home game (against Young Boys of Tanzania) 0-2 but eventually got a draw in the return leg away from home. We will go away to Algeria with a good fight and hopefully, we will come out with a better result,” Eguma concluded.