Rivers United head coach Finidi George has openly admitted that his side were second best after suffering a heavy 4–1 defeat to visiting Pyramids FC of Egypt in their CAF Champions League clash on Sunday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
There was hope among fans that Rivers United would rise to the occasion against the reigning African champions and revive their faltering group-stage campaign. Instead, the Port Harcourt-based side struggled to match the intensity and quality of a more flexible and ruthless Egyptian team that largely controlled the contest.
Rivers United briefly lifted spirits in the first half, matching Pyramids tackle for tackle and showing admirable fight. They even gave their supporters reason to dream after taking the lead, holding their own before the break. However, the game shifted dramatically after halftime.
Also Read: We Need New Signings – Finidi George
The second 45 minutes belonged entirely to Pyramids. The North Africans stepped up the tempo, moved the ball with confidence, and ran rings around their hosts. Despite Rivers United striking first, the visitors responded with four emphatic goals in the second half, draining belief from the home side and underlining the gulf in class.
Speaking candidly after the match, a visibly sober Finidi acknowledged where the game was lost.
“The first half, we did well. I think we controlled the game and scored our goal. We didn’t give them much. We pressed a little bit higher and forced them to play long balls,” he said.
“In the second half, I think there was indecision where we were supposed to commit. That tackle, we didn’t do it. They were faster, and the player ran in so easily.”
Finidi explained that his players attempted to adjust once the momentum swung, but the quality of the opposition made it an uphill battle.
“We tried to see how we could contain them in the second half, but it was difficult for the players. This is another level of football. In the first half, you think you have control, but in the second half, they came all out, and we couldn’t contain them. That’s football.
“We lost to a very good team. Especially in the second half, they controlled the 45 minutes. It’s quite difficult coming here and explaining what happened because we all saw it; they were far better in the second half.”
Despite the disappointment, Finidi, whose side currently sit atop the Nigeria Premier Football League table, believes the experience will serve as an important lesson for the future. He stressed that the campaign has exposed areas that must be addressed ahead of a possible return to the competition next season.
“Let’s see how we can compete in the NPFL. If we win it, we’ll have time to prepare and bring in a couple of players to strengthen the team.
“We have seen our lapses, and we know we can do better next time. It’s a learning process for the players. Now they’ve seen a different level of football, and to match a team like this, we definitely have to step up and bring in a couple of players.”
