CAFCC: Rivers United Player ratings in 0-2 loss to Young Africans SC
Rivers United FC suffered a CAF Confederation Cup quater-final 1st-leg 0-2 loss to Young Africans flourish in Uyo. SportsRation presents the player ratings after a dissapointing afternoon.
SOCHIMA VICTOR (GOALKEEPER) 7/10
Unarguably the only Rivers United player that deserves commendation in this game. Man was every reason Rivers United were not trailing at half-time with big saves to deny Aziz Ki on three occasions plus his alertness to come off the line to clear the danger.
There was nothing he could do to stop both goals scored by Fitson Maleye in the second half. Another big performance to justify his invitation to the Super Eagles squad in the last international window.
NDASI KADIANG ( CENTRAL DEFENDER ) 4/10
Not one of his best games, maybe due to the absence of his usual partner Lawrence Agbor. Young Africans SC were comfortable running rings round the rugged Cameroonian defender.
ANTHONY OHAEGBU ( CENTRAL DEFENDER ) 4/10
Like Ndasi, Anthony Ohaegbu struggled to contain the fast Yanga forwards and so goalkeeper Sochima was left exposed on a good number of occasions. Good with the ball at his feet but had a off-day trying to stop Aziz, Balanga and Maleye.
KAZIE ENYINNAYA ( RIGHT-BACK ) 5/10
Aside powering forward on a number of occasions, Kazie was like fellow defenders ineffective.
EBUBE DURU (LEFT-BACK) 5/10
One of the best full-backs in the Nigerian League, Ebube was a shadow of himself as the Young Africans players enjoyed some freedom on the left side.
FAROUK MOHAMMED (DEFENSIVE MIDFIEDER) 3/10
Drafted into the starting XI as replacement for the suspended Morice Chukwu, Farouk endured a disappointing afternoon. Truth be told, the defense struggled because the Midfielders were overwhelmed. His slip while trying to shoot from a corner-kick pass led to the second goal and sums the teams display vs Young Africans SC. DISSAPOINTING.
WILLIAMS UKEME (MIDFIELDER) 3/10
A poor first-half display had fans calling for the replacement of the Rivers United attacking Midfielder. Unlike in previous CAF Confederation Cup games, Ukeme was surprisingly weak and unlucky with his moves and passes. Just before the half-time break, the number 8 jersey beckoned for medical attention. He did not return for the second half. Agu Kenechukwu was introduced in his place.
CHIAMAKA MADU (MIDFIELDER) 4/10
Had a chance to score in the first half but could only fire his shot inside the penalty area inches off target. A quiet game it was for the former Rangers man.
CHUKWUDI OKEOCHA ( FORWARD ) 4/10
Operated from the right side of attack, Chukwudi showed flashes of brilliance in the opening minutes but fizzled out as the game hit full swing. Was replaced by Mohammed Shiraz in the 1st-quater of the second half.
MALACHI OHAWUME ( FORWARD ) 4/10
The forward was no match for the Yanga defenders and struggled to have any impact on the game. At least on three occasions, Malachi was muscled off the ball by the opposition defenders. Also looked tired and worn out. A result of the teams busy fixture-list this season.
NYIMA NWAGUA (FORWARD ) 4/10
Tried in vain to use his size against the opposition defenders. Looked tired and short of ideas on some occasions when he tried to take on the opposition defenders.
SUBSTITUTES
AGU KENECHUWKU (MIDFIELDER) 5/10
Carved open the opposition defense with his passes early in the second half. By the time Rivers United were grappling for possession, Agu was nowhere to be found.
BOLAJI SAKIN 4/10
Came on to replace Malachi Ohawuma and did not make any difference. Bolaji was more comfortable sitting on the wings unlike the man he subbed who added more legs to support a wobbling midfield.
MOHAMMED SHIRAZ 5/10
Mis-timed his first move but had the defenders chasing on two occasions with his direct running. Almost won a penalty when his run was cut short by a kick from behind but it was just outside the area.
OTHERS
No other player stayed long enough on the pitch to earn a rating.
In summary, the best team won the CAF Confederation Cup quater-final first leg clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Pride of Rivers surely missed the services of top-scorer Paul Acquah, Morice Chukwu, Lawrence Agbor and Joseph Onoja and will hope to put behind the disappointment as they chase a comeback when they travel to Tanzania for the return leg on Sunday April 30.
