CAF Confederation Cup: Rivers United walk tight rope in race for quarterfinals

Club Africain defeated Rivers United on matchday four of the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup in Tunisia… on Wednesday.

Rivers United must win their last two games of the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup group stage to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

The ‘Pride of Rivers’ were at par with leaders, Club Africain of Tunisia and Dream FC of Ghana on six points before Wednesday’s matchday four games, but they lost 0-3 in Tunisia, while Dreams FC completed a double over Academica do Lobito of Angola, whom they beat 4-0 in Cape Coast.

Now, Rivers United are third on Group C log with six points, while Club Africain and Dream FC are first and second, respectively, on nine points. So, Rivers United must win their last two games against Dream FC at home and Academica do Lobito in Launda to retain hope of getting to the last eight of the competition.

When Rivers United played against Dream FC in Ghana, they lost 1-2 by a last-minute goal. Meaning, they must repay the Ghanaians in their own coins in Uyo before going to Angola for their last game against Academica do Lobito.

The Angolans have been the whipping boys of the group as they have lost all their games so far. The last time they played at home, they lost to Dream FC by two goals to three. What this means is that Rivers United must beat them in Angola by at least a two-goal margin and then defeat Dream FC by the same margin.

Dream FC have a plus-four goals difference, while Rivers United have a zero goals difference.

Getting these wins is possible if the Nigerians maintain their positive approach to the games. In the match against Club Africain in Tunisia, Rivers United were at par with their hosts until a goalkeeping blunder by Abiodun Akande provided Club Africain’s