Head coach of Rivers United Finidi George has conceded defeat to Pyramids FC in the penultimate CAF Champions League group stage clash, stressing his outfit fell to a very good opponent.
The Egyptian outfit delivered a five-star performance to secure an emphatic away victory over Rivers United on Sunday. Pyramids, who are the reigning champions of the CAF’s elite club competition outclassed their Nigerian counterparts with a 4-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Reflecting on the outcome, Finidi praised the opposition while admitting his players found it difficult to cope in the second half.
“We played well in the first half, controlled the game and got our goal,” he said. “In the second half, it became difficult to contain them. We lost to a very good side, especially after the break.”
Both sides battled intensely in midfield, but Rivers United ensured they went to the halftime break with the advantage after Stephen Manyo gave them the lead in the 33rd-minute.
After the break, Pyramids FC showcased resilience and determination, as they cruised to a resounding victory to confirm their place in the quarterfinal.
The Egyptian club pulled parity in the 53rd-minute through Mostafa Fathi before Marwan Hamdi scored to extend the lead for the visitors.
However, last minutes goals from Odeh Al-Fakhouri and Nasser Maher cemented the win for the defending champions in the high-stake clash.
After five matches in Group A, Pyramids FC find themselves in the first position with 13 points, followed by RS Berkane and Power Dynamos, who are tied on seven points each, while Rivers United sit bottom with just one point.
