Rivers United secured qualification into the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup despite been held to a 2-2 draw by Congolese side Diables Noir at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Sunday.
An unfortunate own goal scored by Ghanian defender Emmanuel Ampiah in the 28th minute put the reigning Nigerian Premier Football League champions on the back foot as they looked to avenge their 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
Stanley Eguma’s side did well to up the ante and they got their reward in the 73rd minute as towering forward Nyima Nwangwa levelled the scoring before adding another goal four minutes later to complete his brace.
???????? @RiversUnitedFC ➡️ #TotalEnergiesCAFCC quarter-finals!
The Nigerian side bag a qualification ticket! pic.twitter.com/kjtH9CFDRV
— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC ???? (@CAFCLCC) March 19, 2023
However, the Congolese side put up a fight and got a well-deserved equaliser to salvage a point away from home through a goal from 17-year-old forward Deo Bassinga.
The result takes Rivers United to 10 points in Group B, keeping them atop the standings on goal difference despite being level on points with ASEC Mimosas, who defeated Motema Pembe 2-1 away from home.
Up next for Rivers is a Matchday 8 fixture against Enugu Rangers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Wednesday, March 22, by 4pm WAT.
