CAFCC: Rivers United through to last eight following draw at home

Rivers United sailed through to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup following a 2-2 draw against Congolese side Diables Noirs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Pride of Rivers lead Group B with ten points from five games and have qualified with a game to spare.

Having lost their group stage opener to Diables Noirs in Congo, Rivers United were out to exact revenge and qualify for the knockout rounds. The NPFL champions started the match on the front foot, with Joseph Onoja blasting high after being set up by Nyima Nwagua, and Malachi Ohawume sending a presentable chance straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Playing at home away from home, the Nigerian outfit fell behind against the run of play thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Ghanaian left-back Emmanuel Ampiah in the 27th minute.

Rivers United equalised in the 73rd minute through burly striker Nwagua, who was on hand to fire home a pass from Onoja from close range for his first goal of the campaign. The former Kano Pillars man then put his side ahead just four minutes later with an impressive finish as he beat the Congolese side’s backline before simply sending his effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

With nine minutes left on the clock, 17-year-old Congolese striker Deogracias Bassinga benefitted from slack defending from the home side to fire the ball into the back of the net and draw his side level.

The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with the Pride of Rivers securing a place in the knockout stages of the competition. The Congolese side remain in third place on five points after failing to add to their single win in the group.

https://twitter.com/CAFCLCC/status/1637520095424438274?t=3We8-6F1XKX_48lHloUo-A&s=19

After a poor start from the Nigerian champions, they remain unbeaten in the four matches since their opening day defeat to Diables Noirs.