Rivers United advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals with a late goal from defender Enyinnaya Kazie. The Pride of Rivers defeated 10-man Dreams FC of Ghana 2-1 in their last group match on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
The right-back was in the opponent’s box at the perfect moment, and he placed a strong low drive into the next to send Nigeria’s representatives and the supporters into wild celebrations. The 2022 NPFL champions were about to lose the championship.
Abdul Aziz Issah’s first goal startled Rivers United, who needed to win to guarantee a spot in the next round. The visitors scored just before halfway.
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They continued to put pressure on the Ghanaians, and in the 61st minute, Deputy Echeta gave Rivers parity again.
Twenty minutes after Seth Agyemang received the marching orders for a second bookable offense, Dreams FC were down to ten men.
The Nigerian team advanced to the next round as group leaders with 12 points after Kazie’s 2-1 victory in the last minutes of stoppage thwarted Rivers United’s persistent siege on the Ghanaians to cling on for first place in the group. Dreams FC also finished with 12 points.
Club Africain, a team from North Africa, lost the battle, finishing third with 10 points after being held to a 1-1 tie at home by Angola’s APC Lobito, who were in last position. The single point the Angolans scored in the group stage was a dismal draw.
Other teams who have secured a spot in the last eight ahead of their opponents before the draw, which is scheduled for later this month, include USM Alger (Algeria), Future FC (Egypt), Zamalek (Egypt), Abu Salim (Libya), RS Berkane (Morocco), and Stade Malien (Mali).
