October, 2 2023.
Rivers United are through to the lucrative group phase of the 2023/24 Confederation Cup, after a 2 - 0 defeat of visiting Etoile Filante du Ougadougou, at the Adokieye Amasiamaka Stadium, in Port Harcourt.
Having held the Burkinabe side goalless, in the first leg played in Yamaussukoro, Côte d'Ivoire a forth-night ago, Rivers United also won the tie 2-0 on goals aggregate; to advance to the group phase, of CAF's second tier Interclub championship.
Speaking ahead of the game in Port Harcourt, Coach Stanley Eguma rates Etoile Filante as a very good side, but believed his players should overcome them with the support they will get from home fans.
On the match proper, Rivers United fluffed two penalties awarded them by the match referee; and that made the fans increasingly worried, until the 89th minute, when Alex Oyowah was able to pick his spot from close range, and scored to put the Pride of Rivers 1-0 up.
A third penalty was later awarded against the visitors; and this time it was coolly converted as Rivers United wrapped up a 2-0 win on the day, and on aggregate.
Nigeria's domestic cup holders, Bendel Insurance of Benin, who are the nation's other representative in this competition, lost 0-1 on Friday night to 2021 winners of the competition, RS Berkane; after the Moroccans had twice fought back in Benin, to earn a 2-2 draw; in the first leg.
While Insurance crashed out 2-3 on goals aggregate; Rivers United is now the country's only surviving side, campaigning in the two CAF Interclub competitions, for this season; www.ckdmedia.ng reports.