Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt has qualified for the lay-off stage of the CAF Confederation Cup Competition.
This follows their three-nil thrashing of Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa in the second leg tie of the first round fixtures of the competition at the Charles De Gaulles Stadium in Port Novo Benin Republic.
Two goals from Godwin Aguda and another from Fortune Omoniwari ensured Rivers United comfortably booked their place in the final preliminary stage of the CAF Confederation Cup to qualify on five-nil on aggregate.
With Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 down from the first leg, the South African side knew they were up with a difficult task which even became more daunting just after kick-off. Early on in the game, Godwin Aguda put the tie beyond any doubt in the 2nd minute when he put United in front with an easy tap in from close range.
Aguda extended United’s lead from the spot in the 29th minute of the match. His 5th goal in 4 CAF Confederation Cup matches for Rivers United.
The “Pride of Rivers” did find a third in the second half as Fortune Omoniwari took the game beyond the Siwelele. His goal was extremely well taken and shows the amount of confidence he has right now.
In general, that was a comfortable night for the Stanley Eguma’s men.
Rivers United will face Enyimba FC in the final qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivers United’s concern is now the rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 tie against Kano Pillars on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Victory is a result of hard work- Rivers United Captain
Rivers United Captain Festus Austin says the victory of the team over Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa is as a result of hard work and dedication.
He said the players are excited with the results of the game and expressed optimism in the ability of Rivers United to eliminate two-time African Champions Enyimba fc of Aba in the next round of the competition.
”Yes, I am very happy today because we have scaled through to the next round of the tournament. It’s not an easy game the Celtic side gave us a fight from the first minute to the last minute and I must commend my players, they step up their game, we know how important this game is for us and I thank God we are through to the next round. The secret behind Rivers United winning away is just hard work, dedication, and the grace of God” he said.
He said that Enyimba FC is unfortunate to meet Rivers United at this stage.
Festus Allen said Rivers United is now more determined to make history in the CAF Confederation Cup tournament.
