Rivers United had been left shocked in Uyo on Friday night time after RS Berkane scored twice deep into stoppage time to assert a dramatic 2–1 victory of their CAF Champions League Group A conflict.
What appeared like a much-needed dwelling win for Finidi George’s facet ended up one other painful setback, dropping the Nigerians to the underside of the desk after two matches.
Rivers United had entered the sport below strain, with Finidi urging his gamers to remain targeted after their 3–0 loss to Pyramids FC in Cairo.
Midfielder Temple Emekayi had additionally admitted that taking part in dwelling matches away from Port Harcourt was removed from excellent, however insisted the staff should “rise from the defeat and ship a response.”
For lengthy spells, Rivers did simply that. After surviving an early wave of strain from the Moroccan guests, the Nigerians grew into the match by means of set items and vast play.
Within the thirty seventh minute, they made the breakthrough when Zachariah whipped in a cross that deflected off Mamadou Lamine Camara and wrong-footed goalkeeper Munir.
The personal aim despatched the house crowd into celebration and appeared just like the spark Rivers wanted to revive their continental marketing campaign.
Berkane, who had opened their match with a assured win over Energy Dynamos, had been stored quiet for lengthy spells, with Aabid and Bassene forcing solely routine saves from Onisodumeya.
Rivers had alternatives to seal the consequence after the break, however substitute Taoofeek missed two large possibilities—one blocked by Munir and one other fired straight on the goalkeeper after he intercepted a unfastened go.
These misses proved pricey. With seven minutes of extra time signalled, Rivers targeted on operating down the clock, however their technique backfired.
Within the seventh added minute, the Nigerian flagbearers didn’t clear a free-kick supply, leaving Youness El Kaabi free to slam dwelling the equaliser.
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Earlier than Rivers may get better, catastrophe struck once more. Goalkeeper Onisodumeya’s tried clearance rebounded off a Berkane participant, the follow-up effort hit the put up, and Mounir Chouiar reacted quickest to fit the rebound into an empty internet—finishing a sensational turnaround.
The late collapse leaves Rivers United on the foot of Group A, whereas Berkane proceed their robust begin.
Rivers now journey to Zambia to face Energy Dynamos on Matchday 3, a match that already feels very essential for his or her qualification hopes.
