Rivers United, Akwa United Victorious In CAF Champions League
Rivers United of Nigeria secured a 1-0 away victory against Tanzania’s Young Africans, while Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Akwa United beat Algeria’s CR Belouizad 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in the 2021-2022 CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg.
A second half goal from Omoduemuke Mosses was enough for the Rivers United to secure an away victory at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The visitors could have doubled its lead in the 77th minute after a three-against-one situation, but failed to capitalise.
Rivers goalie, Ndukauba Victor denied Yussuf Athuman from inside the box five minutes to time and ensure his side secure crucial away victory. The return leg will take place in Nigeria next week.
Akwa United 1-0 CR Belouizad
Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Akwa United shocked visiting Algeria champions CR Belouizad 1-0 in the CAF Champions League preliminary first leg encounter on Sunday.
The lone goal was netted in the 87th minute by team captain, Ubong Friday, to the amazement of the enthusiastic fans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Akwa United head coach, Kennedy Boboye, during a post match interview attributed the win to the players’ commitment on the field, in spite of being new entrants in the CAF competition. Boboye expressed optimism that the boys would fill in the noticeable gaps to ensure victory as they go for a return leg in Algeria.
“We approached the match with the determination to win, and it paid off though it was not easy because the Algerians were more experienced,” Boboye said.
The Promise Keepers are making their first appearance in the CAF Champions League after clinching their maiden NPFL title last season.
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
