Nigerian side Rivers United and Les Aigles du Congo played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers, back in the elite competition of African football, kept the hosts at bay, as few chances came by during the contest that was played at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Finidi George’s side, who couldn’t train ahead of the contest due to unfair treatment from the hosts, started the game slowly.
It was the hosts, who were making their debut in the competition, on the attack a few times, but the Pride of Rivers held it down at the back. Led by Temple Emekayi and Stephen Manyo, the Nigerian side were up to the task, as they put bodies on the line to prevent any effort from going into the goal.
It was more of the same set up and approach in the second half as the visitors kept looking for counterattack and setpieces to carve out chances. Similarly, the home side could not create clear-cut chances against birthday boy Osagie Onisodumeya.
In stoppage time, Rivers United could have snatched it when a poor clearance fell onto the path of Wisdom Samuel, but his effort went slightly off the mark. In the end, it finished goalless between the two sides with all to play for in the return leg.
The 2nd leg of the first preliminary round fixture will be played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next weekend.
