Dream turned into a nightmare as Rivers United lost at home in the CAF Champions League return-leg on Sunday. With all hopes dashing to the walls, Rivers United were supposed to be the better team due to home advantage, but it turns into the favor of Power Dynamos of Zambia.
The Port Harcourt based outlet needed a win in the game, having secured a point in their game in Ndola. They were supposed to win to move on to the part of the tournament. Unfortunately, it turned out the other way, and the visiting side scored a goal in the early minutes of the secondhalf Kondwani Chiboni scored the goal at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo. Though it seems Rivers United did not play enough to win the game. They had a chance to move on to the stage of the tournament but they did not take it.
Rivers United’s head coach Finidi George made some squad changes, partnering the likes of Stephen Manyo and Boluwaji Sholumade to play together in defense, due to the fact that Ogechukwu Ogbe was injured in their last NPFL match.
News: Preview: Rivers United V Power Dynamos
On the other hand, Duke Osimaga was also added to the midfield, where he played alongside Wasiu Falolu. Placing the former Enyimba striker Chijioke Mbaoma at the front.
The match summer presented the statistics that Rivers team were really good at the start of the game, coming to the match with much energy —But they still couldn’t get past the Dynamos defense set by former Shooting Stars Ayodeji Bamidele.
During the second-half the Zambian side played with more determination, and they scored the goal of the match just five minutes in. Chiboni connected with a cross, from the side to finishes the ball past the goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya at the post.
Finidi George’s squad tried their best to equalize but it ended in null, and the other team who came with much intention, were solid. They will finish the group in at least third place. Unfortunately, Rivers United were not able to find the back of the net, which was really disappointing for them.
In other matchday results, Pyramids defeated RS Berkane 3-0, taking control of the group ahead of next weekend’s matchday five. Rivers United will face group leaders Pyramids in their final home game, while Dynamos will take on RS Berkane in a battle for second place.
