Rivers United paid for their lacklustre performance as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Young Africans in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final.
Fiston Mayele’s second-half heroics secured vital advantage for the Tanzanian giants ahead of next week’s second leg
Despite creating the best of chances at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo with 11 shots and 10 corner-kicks, the Pride of Rivers lacked finishing touch and didn’t register any shot on target.
Young Africans’ strategic approach paid off in the 73rd minute with Mayele breaking the deadlock after a fine team movement.
It did not take long for the Congolese striker to double the lead with his second goal of the day which kept the home fans silent.
The defeat gives Stanley Eguma’s men a herculean task in Dar es Salaam as they look to keep their hopes for a first continental title alive.
Rivers United will have enough time to prepare for the return fixture with their Nigeria Premier Football League fixture against Roma United postponed.
