CAFCC: Paul Acquah hat-trick guides Rivers United FC to victory over Motembe Pembe
Rivers United FC of Nigeria were 3-1 victors over a DC Motembe Pembe of Congo in a CAF Total Energies Confederation Cup group stage match in Uyo.
The match was earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday March 8, 2023 but was pushed forward by 24-hrs as the visitors were yet to arrive in Nigeria.
Possession in the opening half of play at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo was even, just like the score until Rivers United FC struck with the last kick of the half.
Forward Paul Acquah was at the end of a delightful cross to head the NPFL Champions in front. That was the last action of the first half and so Rivers United led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Paul Acquah doubled his teams advantage with a crisp finish in the 56th minute.
With scores at 2-0, the game slowed down as both teams failed to create any clear cut chances until the 78th minute when the visitors scored their first goal of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Substitute Mydo Yallet reacted quickest to a rebound to tap home after his initial header came off the crossbar.
Motembe Pembe then piled pressure on their hosts in search of an equalizer but instead it was Rivers United FC who got a third to put the tie to bed in stoppage time.
Paul Acquah bagged his hat-trick when he curled home following a counter-attack for 3-1.
At the Referees whistle for full-time it finished Rivers United FC 3-1 DC Motembe Pembe.
Rivers United FC reclaimed top spot in Group B with 9-points following a double over Motembe Pembe and a 3-0 win over second placed ASEC Mimosas on Matchday two.
Up next for Stanley Eguma tutored Rivers United FC is a crucial Matchday five fixture against second placed ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast.
A win or draw in that tie will seal a Semi-final spot for the Nigerian side with a game vs third placed Diabes Noir to spare in the group stage of this seasons CAF Confederation Cup.
