CAFCC: Rivers United Raises Hope Of Quarter-Final Berth, Edge APC Do Lobito 2-3

RIVERS United at the weekend scored three (3) away goals in a continental match for the first time in its history when it played away versus APC Do Lobito in Luanda, Angola.

The victory takes Nigeria’s representatives in the continental competition to nine points and now occupies third place on the Group C log after five games played in the CAF Confederation’s Cup. The development meant all hope of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation’s Cup. 

The match opened with a burst of energy from the visitors’ side, as it displayed clear intention from the start. The first notable attempt came when Deputy Echeta benefited from a defensive blunder as he raced into the box but a timely intervention from a defender only meant Rivers United had a corner kick.

Maintaining dominance, Sadiq Abubakar had his shot on target blocked but the Pride of Rivers conceded a goal in the 36th minute as Ekerette Udom was adjusted to have committed an infringement in the box and the resulting spot-kick was converted by Cabibi.

Rivers United levelled up in the 40th minute through Udom Ekerette, as he made amends by rising highest to head in a Sadiq Abubakar’s well-taken free kick.

Four minutes later and just before half-time, Alex Oyowah put Nigeria representatives ahead through a penalty kick after Deputy Echeta was hacked down in the box.

A mere three minutes into the second half, Rivers United’s unyielding assault on Lobito’s defence on the right with Kazie Enyinnaya and Sadiq Abubakar yielded result. Sadiq Abubakar persistently showcased his exceptional skills. Manoeuvring skillfully to the byline, Sadiq found Farouk Mohammed in the box and without hesitation, Farouk capitalized on the opportunity, slotting the ball home to further extend Rivers United’s lead.

However, the hosts responded in the 68th minute as Fernando Camuege found the net when his shot beat Abiodun Akande, Rivers’s shot-stopper from 20 yards out, bringing the score to 2-3.

In what could have been a remarkable turn of events, Abiodun Akande made a point-blank save in the dying moments of the game to ensure Rivers United picked the three points.

Rivers United next host Dreams FC on Sunday, 3rd March 2024. Kick-off at the Godswill Akpabio stadium is at 5 pm.

Eighteen-Eleven Media