Rivers United striker Nyima Nwagua Nekabari’s 43rd minute effort proved sufficient for Nigerian side Rivers United to beat Club Africain of Tunisia 1-0 on Sunday in Uyo, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Tunisians were on top of the Group C table before Sunday’s round of action in the Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup but the Nigerians produced one of their best performances in recent weeks and nicked the three points courtesy of Nwagua’s brilliant shot on the turn.
Rivers United head coach gave a first start in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup to attacker Deputy Echeta who made a good impression in the opening stages of the game during which the Pride of Rivers controlled the game with their composure and intricacies.
There were a few half chances here and there in the half but it was Rivers United’s captain Nwagua that latched on to a pass from impressive right back Kazie Enyinnaya before hitting an unexpected pile driver into the bottom left corner of the Club Africain post.
The visitors, quite as expected came out smoking in the second half but could ultimately not break down their hosts even if they came mightily close towards the hour mark but were denied by the cross bar when it seemed as though they found a way past United goalkeeper Abiodun Akande.
United also could have made the scoreline more emphatic when left back Paul Odeh Inalegwu found substitute Yao Kouassi with an impeccable cross in stoppage time but the Ivorian’s header from three yards came off the woodwork.
Rivers United held on for the win inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and moved to the top of Group C after three round of matches. They will next face Club Africain in Tunis in the next ten days as they prosecute the reverse fixture of Sunday’s encounter.
In the group’s other game, Dreams FC of Ghana defeated Angolan side Academica Petroleos Clube do Lobito 3-2 away from home to move to same points with Club Africain and Rivers United.
