Title holders Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the CAF Champions League, after a dominant second-half performance powered them to a 4–1 victory over Nigerian side Rivers United on Sunday, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Rivers United stunned the visitors midway through the first half when Stephen Manu unleashed a fierce long-range strike that flew past the goalkeeper to give the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute.
Pyramids emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and quickly wrestled control of the contest. Their pressure was rewarded in the 53rd minute when Mostafa Fathi latched onto a precise pass from Mostafa Zico and drove a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper.
The equaliser shifted momentum decisively. Rivers United retreated deeper as Pyramids dictated the tempo and forced a series of defensive errors.
The turning point arrived in the 77th minute when a handball inside the penalty area handed Pyramids a chance to take the lead. Marwan Hamdi stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
As Rivers United chased an unlikely response, gaps began to appear. Substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury marked his first goal for the club with a clinical strike in the 88th minute, before Nasser Maher added a fourth in stoppage time to complete a ruthless 14-minute surge.
Pyramids will conclude the group phase at home against Power Dynamos, knowing their quarter-final place is already secured.
The result lifts Pyramids to 13 points at the summit of Group A, confirming their passage to the knockout stages.
Rivers United, meanwhile, remain bottom with just one point and are now mathematically eliminated.
Sunday’s CAF Champions League results
Rivers United 1-4 Pyramids FC
Saint Eloi Lupopo 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Stade Malien 1-0 Esperance.