Rivers United clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against USM Alger, setting the stage for a tense showdown in the return match, according to coach Stanley Eguma.
The encounter, played out at the Godswill-Akpabio International Stadium, saw Augustine Okejepha’s early goal in the 10th minute propel Rivers United to a slender lead in a match characterized by challenging conditions.
Despite missed opportunities that could have widened the scoreline, Eguma expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“We worked hard to create chances, but they were not converted. We’re going to go back to the drawing board and see how we can improve this.
For the score, we just thank God that we were able to win because that is the most important thing,” Eguma remarked in the post-match press conference.
Looking ahead to the return leg scheduled for Sunday, April 7, in Algeria, Eguma emphasized the need for his players to maintain their intensity and resilience to secure a favorable outcome.
“We will go back to Algeria with a good fight, and I hope we get a better result,” Eguma affirmed, highlighting the determination of Rivers United to overcome the challenges posed by their Algerian counterparts.
With the stage set for a gripping showdown in the return fixture, Rivers United will be aiming to capitalize on their slender advantage and deliver a performance that cements their place in the final four of the CAF Cup.
As anticipation mounts for the decisive encounter, football fans eagerly await the outcome of this intriguing battle between two formidable contenders vying for continental glory.
