Confed Cup: Kazie’s Late Goal Sends Rivers Into Q’Finals

Defender, Enyinnaya Kazie, scored a late winner to secure passage for Rivers United into the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, as the Pride of Rivers beat 10-man Dreams FC of Ghana 2-1 in their last group game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.

The 2022 NPFL champions were on the brink of exit in the tournament but the right-back was in the right place at the right time in the opponent’s box and slotted a powerful low drive into the next to send Nigeria’s representatives and the fans into wild jubilations.

• Also read: NPFL Reschedules Rivers United Matches

Needing a win to be sure of a place in the next round, Rivers United were stunned by their visitors just before halftime with the opening goal from Abdul Aziz Issah.

Deputy Echeta restored parity for Rivers in the 61st minute as they kept up the pressure on the Ghanaians.

Dreams FC were reduced to 10-men 20 minutes later after Seth Agyemang was given the marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Despite Rivers United’s sustained pressure, the Ghanaians tried to hold on for a top spot in the group but Kazie showed up in the final minutes of stoppage to secure a 2-1 win which sent the Nigerian club into the next round as group leaders with 12 points while Dreams FC also finished with the same number of points.

North African side, Club Africain fell off in the tussle with 10 points to finish third after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by bottom-placed APC Lobito of Angola. The frustrating draw was the Angolans only point in the group stage.

Ahead of the draw which will take place later this month, other teams to have booked their place in the last eight ahead of the competitor are; USM Alger (Algeria), Future FC (Egypt), Zamalek (Egypt), Abu Salim (Libya), RS Berkane (Morocco) and Stade Malien (Mali).