Rivers United’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League suffered a major blow following a 1-0 home defeat to Power Dynamos in Uyo on Sunday.
The encounter came a week after both sides had settled for a goalless draw in Ndola, with Rivers United hoping to capitalise on home advantage in the return fixture. However, it was the visitors who left Nigeria with all three points after a disciplined and efficient display.
The decisive moment of the match arrived when Kondwani Chiboni found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the contest to hand Power Dynamos a crucial away victory. Rivers United pushed for an equaliser afterwards but were unable to break down a resolute Dynamos defence.
The defeat leaves Rivers United winless in Group C after four matches, a worrying run that has severely dented their chances of progressing to the next round. Finidi George’s men have managed just one point from a possible twelve, placing them bottom of the group standings.
For head coach Finidi George, the result compounds an already difficult campaign in continental competition, with pressure now mounting ahead of the final group fixtures. Rivers United will need a dramatic turnaround in form to revive their qualification hopes.
Attention now turns to an even tougher challenge, as the former Nigeria Professional Football League champions prepare to host defending champions Pyramids FC next Sunday. Anything short of a victory in that fixture could all but end Rivers United’s quest to advance from the group stage.
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