Ghanaian forward Paul Acquah was the hero for Rivers United as the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions outclassed Democratic Republic of Congo side DC Motema Pembe 3-1 to go top of Group B in the CAF Confederation Cup on Thursday.
The 27-year-old star delivered a sensational individual performance to inspire Stanley Eguma’s side to a resounding victory at the Godswill Apkabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This is how the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC group B stand as we head to the next matchday! ????
Thoughts on matchday 4? ???? pic.twitter.com/YGYkFhDfFo
— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 9, 2023
The game which was initially meant to be played on Wednesday, was put on hold due to travel issues for the visitors, leading to it being postponed for a day. However, the tie did not disappoint the neutrals, producing four goals in an end-to-end attacking display from both sides.
United scored the game’s first goal just before halftime in a period they heavily dominated. A pitch-perfect cross was sent into the Motema Pembe box from left-back Ukeme Mitchel, which Acquah rose highest to head home in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
The winger got on the scoresheet eleven minutes into the resumption of the second half as he struck a side-footed volley into the back of the net from close range following a brilliant piece of play on the left channel.
Motema Pembe got back into the game through substitute Mydo Kingu Yallet in the 78th minute. The left-footed defender poked a rebound home after his bullet header had been denied by the crossbar.
The goal spurred a late surge as the visitors searched for an equalizer. However, it gave the NPFL champions the chance to exploit gaps as they pushed a late counter-attack, which ended with Acquah getting the fourth goal of the game to complete his hat-trick.
The result condemns Motema Pembe to their second loss of the current campaign, which sees them sit rock bottom in Group B as they drew two of their other games, further putting their chances of qualifying from the group in doubt.
Up next for them in the competition is a home game in which they will entertain Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas while, Rivers United will welcome Congolese side Diables Noirs to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 19th.
