In the thrilling encounter Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, Rivers United beat DC Motema Pembe 3-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match.
Ghanaian Rivers United striker, Paul Acquah, was the hero; scoring all three goals for the Nigerian League champions.
The Nigerian side dominated from the start of the match but did not find a way past their Congolese opponents until late in the first half, when Acquah scored the first of three goals after receiving a good pass from Ukeme Williams.
The second half
Buoyed by the lead from the first half, Stanley Eguma started the second half like a house on fire and it wasn’t long before Acquah doubled his lead in the 55th minute, this time with an assist from his teammate, Emmanuel Ampiah.
While many had tipped Rivers United to sink their opponents in Uyo, Mydo Yallet pulled one back for the visitors in the 78th minute to make it 2-1.
READ ALSO: CAF Confederation Cup: Bayelsa United lost to Tunisian club
Coach Eguma responded to the development with several tactical changes; brought on the duo of Mohammed Shiraz and Augustine Agu to replace Malachi Ohawume and Ukeme Williams in the 85th minute.
As Rivers United looked home and dry with a 2-1 win, Acquah produced a brilliant moment to complete his hat trick in the third minute of stoppage time.
Prospects are bright
With three wins on the bounce, Rivers United are top of Group B with nine points from four games played so far.
ASEC Mimosas are second on the log with seven points while Diables Noir and Motema Pembe are third and fourth with four and two points respectively after also playing four matches.
While they are looking good to get out of the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, victory on Friday will also give Bangga Kali a boost ahead of the upcoming domestic schedule, as they look to successfully defend the Nigerian Professional Football League title.
With a talented squad hungry for success and a strong team spirit, Rivers United will be a team to watch in the coming months as they continue to chase success at home and abroad.
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
