Rivers United 4 Real Bamako 0: Ovoke stars as United progress to next round of CAFCL, Rangers also through

By: Timothy Dehinbo

It was excitement at the Yakubu Gowon stadium, as Rivers United thrilled their fans and gave many Nigerians the reason to smile after they thrashed As Real Bamako of Mali 4-0 in the 2nd leg of the Caf Champions League, to progress to the next round

It was a good and scintillating performance from the Rivers team, as they dominated the game and controlled the game, and making count as usual whenever they are at home.

Bernard Ovoke got the opener in the 30th minute from the Penalty spot, after a Bamako player handled the ball in the box.

It ended 1 nil in the first half, but Igbinova Esosa who moved from Nasarawa utd, made it two nil in the 56th minute.
They made it three via in form winger Bernard Ovoke, who sent the Bamako keeper the wrong way from the Penalty spot in the 60th minute.

Esosa Igbinova also showed the fans why he was brought in once again, after getting the icing on the cake for Rivers United in the 83rd Minute and it was all but enough for the Nigerian team.

Bamako would shake their head off and return back home sad as they saw but could not conquer, but got defeated in such a manner.
Rivers United would now face Sudanese Al Merrikh team, in the round of 16, their Continental partner Enugu Rangers also progressed via the away goals rules after playing a 0-0 scoreline against Js Saoura of Algeria, who will also face Zamalek of Egypt.

After the game, Bernard Ovoke, who was voted Man of the Match, was delightful.
“It’s a great feeling and I am happy to be on the scoresheet once again, and voted Man of the match. But most importantly, I am happy we (Rivers Utd) got the victory and progress to the next round.

“I also thanks God for the victory and also to the fans who gave us their support” said Ovoke.
It’s definitely a good one and many Nigerians would be pleased with the outcome