CAFCC: 10-man Rivers United defeat Motema Pembe away from home

Rivers United picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Congolese outfit DC Motema Pembe in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B encounter. The result took the NPFL champions to the top of the group following the first round of group stage fixtures.

Having been defeated by Diables Noirs in their first game before strolling to a win over ASEC Mimosas in their second game, Rivers United were looking to build momentum when they travelled to Angola for their Matchday Three clash.

Motema Pembe started the match the better of both sides but there was hardly any goalmouth action from either side in the opening 40 minutes.

Rivers United were reduced to ten men in the 42nd minute as left-back Ebube Duru received his second booking of the game and was subsequently sent off for simulation in the penalty box.

Despite being a man down, the Nigerian champions took the lead just eight minutes into the second half through hardworking midfielder Paul Acquah. The Congolese side kept a high line as Rivers United prepared to take a free-kick, but their line was caught out by a well-timed run from Denis Ndasi Kadiang, who headed the ball across goal for Acquah to score at the second time of asking.

Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima and his defenders defended heroically to keep the home side at bay. The NPFL champions held on for a vital three points away from home as they went top of Group B with six points following ASEC Mimosas’ 2-0 win over Diables Noirs in the other group game.