CAFCC: Rivers United, ASEC qualify for quarter-final

ASEC and Rivers United qualify for CAFCC quarter-final…

NPFL champions Rivers United and ASEC Mimosas of Coted’voire on Sunday secured results that qualified them for the quarter-final of the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).

Both teams were in pole positions to advance before Sunday’s Group B games and they sealed their passage with a game to spare.

Rivers United were held to a 2-2 draw by Congolese side CSM Diables Noirs in a topsy turvy game decided at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Diables Noirs went in front in the 28th minute when Ghanaian left back Emmanuel Ampiah diverted into his own net after good work by Deo Bassinga down the right. The Congolese took their lead to the break.

Rivers United continued to labour for an equaliser in the second half while their visitors resorted to time-wasting tactics. The equalising goal came midway through the half when Nyima Nwagua slammed home Joseph Onoja’s brilliant cross.

United swiftly went in front for the first time in the game in the 77th minute when Nwagua latched on to a long ball before beating goalkeeper Dhody Foutou to score.

The Nigerians were however undone again four minutes later when Bassinga fired home from just inside the box after some poor defending by the hosts. United held on for the point though and consequently secured passage to the next round.

The draw ensured that Rivers United qualify for the CAFCC quarter-final by staying top of the Group B table on goals difference going into the final round of games on April 2 when they travel to Yamoussoukro to face ASEC Mimosas.

ASEC also booked their quarter final ticket after beating DC Motema Pembe 1-2 in Luanda. Two goals by Aubin Kouame, including a 90th minute strike gave the Ivorians maximum points and will now hope to top the group should they beat Nigerian champions Rivers United in their final group game.