Rivers United Claim First Point in CAF Champions League After Goalless Draw in Zambia
Rivers United picked up their first point of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage after a resilient 0–0 draw against Power Dynamos FC in Ndola, Zambia, on matchday three.
The Pride of Rivers were largely on the back foot for long periods but defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Onisodumeya Osagie producing a series of crucial saves to keep the team in the contest.
Power Dynamos started strongly and nearly opened the scoring early when Chifundo Mphasi went offside from Daniel Adoko’s clever Trivela pass following the first corner of the game. The Zambian champions continued to press, with Eddie Ishmael Ankobo heading towards goal from a Mphasi cross in the 10th minute, only for Osagie to make the save.
Rivers United’s Taofeek Abayomi Itaniyi received the first yellow card of the match in the 15th minute for a foul on Fredrick Mulambia as Power Dynamos maintained their attacking pressure.
Mphasi went close twice in quick succession, first seeing a shot saved by Osagie after a flick from Mulambia, then firing over from another move that was later ruled offside. The Rivers goalkeeper was again called into action in the 33rd minute, making a point-blank save to deny Prince Mumba.
Rivers were forced into an early substitution in the 38th minute, with Osimaga Devine Duke replacing Ogechukwu Emmanuel Ogbi.
After the break, Power Dynamos continued to dominate. Mphasi shot over from a promising position, while Brian Masanyinga and John Soko also failed to find the target. The closest chance came in the 75th minute when Moses Shumah’s header hit the upright, before Osagie denied him again with a brilliant half-volley. Late penalty appeals from the hosts were also turned down.
Despite conceding 22 shots, six on target, Rivers United held firm. The Nigerian league leaders managed just six attempts, one on target, but their organisation and Osagie’s six saves proved decisive.
The goalless draw leaves both teams with a single point from the match. Rivers United will host Power Dynamos in the reverse fixture on 1 February as they continue their search for a first group-stage win.
Later on matchday three, RS Berkane of Morocco are set to host defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, with both sides having won their opening two group matches.
