NPFL champions Rivers United were beaten 3-0 by Diables Noirs of Congo in Group B of their CAF Confederation Cup match, at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville.

Diables Noirs Beat Rivers United In CAF Confederation Cup

By Chidi Nwoke, Abuja.

Last updated Feb 13, 2023

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Rivers United were beaten 3-0 by Diables Noirs of Congo in Group B of their CAF Confederation Cup match, at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville.

Rivers United started with Nyima Nwagua in attack, with Joseph Onoja and Paul Acquah supporting on the flanks. For the home side, Jaures Ngombe featured up-front while Carl Wunda and Domi Massoumou were on the wings.

Noirs winger Wunda opened the scoring after 30 minutes when he tapped in from close range, before striker Ngombe doubled the advantage two minutes later, beating Rivers United goalkeeper Mutawakilu Seidu.

Left winger Domi Massoumou then extended the lead for the Congolese side in the 37^th minute, scoring from the penalty spot to make the scores 3-0. It was a top class display from Diables Noirs.

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Rivers United conceded three goals in seven (7) minutes in the first half to cap off a disappointing opening day performance in the CAF Confederation Cup.

In the second half, Rivers United defender Chidiebube Duru missed a crucial penalty kick in the 57th minute to get back into the game, as Noirs goalkeeper Dhody Foutou did well to make a great save.

However, the match finised 3-0 in favour of Diables Noirs as Rivers United could not find a way past their resilient defence.

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🇨🇬 Diables Noirs 3-0 @RiversUnitedFC 🇳🇬

Big win at home for the land owners 💥#TotalEnergiesCAFCC | #DBLRIV pic.twitter.com/BedtsNMlqj

— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 12, 2023

The loss means Rivers United are bottom of the Group B after the other encounter between ASEC Mimosas and Motema Pembe ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Rivers United will next face ASEC Mimosas in their Match Day 2 fixture on Sunday, February 19^th at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup results

Group A

Marumo Gallants FC 4-1 Al Akhdar SC

USM Alger 3-0 FC Saint Eloi Lupopo

Group B

ASEC Mimosas 0-0 Motema Pembe

Diables Noirs 3-0 Rivers United

Group C

Asko 1-1 Future FC

Pyramids FC 2-2 AS FAR Rabat

Group D

TP Mazembe 3-1 AS Real Bamaka

US Monastir 2-0 Young African Sport Club.

Source CAF