Nigeria’s representatives in this season’s TotalEnergiesCAFCL Rivers United and Plateau United earned decent results in their preliminary round first leg games decided at the weekend.
Playing at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Rivers United trounced Liberian champions Watanga FC 3-0 under rainy conditions.
The Pride of Rivers got their noses in front after eight minutes when new signing Kenechukwu Agu’s shot from the edge of the box found the bottom right. United then doubled their advantage ten minutes later through left back Ebube Duru whose scorching half volley found its way to the top corner.
Stanley Eguma’s men got their third in first half stoppage time when Duru’s free kick was headed home by lively Ghanaian winger Paul Acquah. The result gives Rivers United a healthy advantage going into the return leg billed for the Samuel Doe Stadium, Monrovia next Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, Plateau United secured a 2-2 draw away to Gabonese champions ASO Stade Mandji in their first leg preliminary round clash decided at the Stade Renovation Des Franceville.
All goals in the encounter were also scored in the first half. The Fidelis Ilechukwu coached side went in front through defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi in the 12th minute of play but they conceded an equaliser seven minutes later when the hosts scored through Vivien Aubin Inounou.
Plateau United went in front again in the 33rd minute through Rabiu Muhammad Zulkifilu but Mandji replied once again in the 41st minute through Roy Mbongui. There were no further goals in the second half but Plateau United will fancy their chance of progressing when they host the return leg at the Abuja National Stadium next weekend.
Winner goes through to face North African giants Esperance Sportive du Tunis of Tunisia for a place in the group stage.
