Rivers United slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of lowly-rated Power Dynamos of Zambia in the CAF Champions League on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers, having picked up a point in the reverse fixture in Ndola, needed a win to stand a chance of reaching the next round of the competition. However, the current Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders failed to capitalise, as they lost to Kondwani Chiboni’s goal at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Due to Ogechukwu Ogbe’s injury from last weekend’s game, Rivers United head coach Finidi George opted to partner Stephen Manyo with Boluwaji Sholumade at the heart of the defence. At the same time, Duke Osimaga was introduced into the midfield alongside Wasiu Falolu, while former Enyimba forward Chijioke Mbaoma started upfront.
Despite the early dominance from the Nigerians, they failed to find a way through Dynamos’ backline, led by former Shooting Stars defender Ayodeji Bamidele. Both sides remained unseparated at the break.
After the interval, Dynamos wanted it more, and they got the game’s first goal just five minutes in. Chiboni got on the end of a cross from the right, finishing beyond goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya at the near post.
Rivers United huffed and puffed for the remainder of the match, but they failed to get a goal. In the end, the visitors held on for a memorable win and will now finish the group in the third position at least.
In the other group game, Pyramids thumped RS Berkane 3-0 to take control of the group ahead of next weekend’s match day five action. Rivers United will host group leaders Pyramids in their final home game, while Dynamos will host RS Berkane in a showdown for second place.
