This Sunday marked the start of Rivers United‘s journey in the CAF Confederation’s Cup, as they embarked on a crucial trip to the capital city of Cote D'Ivoire, Yamoussoukro, to face off against Burkina Faso's Etoile Filante De Ouagadougou.
With high hopes and anticipation, fans of the Nigerian side eagerly tuned in to witness their team's quest for glory in this prestigious continental tournament.
Rivers United vs Etoile Filante De Ouagadougou: A goalless affair
In a closely contested encounter, the CAF Confederation’s Cup 2nd preliminary round 1st leg match between Rivers United and Etoile Filante De Ouagadougou concluded without either team managing to find the back of the net.
Despite both sides pushing for the elusive goal, the final whistle blew with the scoreline reading 0-0.
While it may not have been the result coach Stanley Eguma were hoping for, securing a draw away from home can still be considered a positive outcome in the context of the tournament.
The Officiating Crew
The match was officiated by Guinean referee Naby Laye Toure, who oversaw proceedings with a keen eye for detail. Assisting him on the field were his compatriots, Mamady Tere as Match Assistant Referee 1 and Moussa Traore as Assistant Referee 2.
Abdoulaye Manet, another Guinean, served as the Fourth Official, while Mamby Diaby from Mali took on the role of the Match Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the overall conduct of the match.
Rivers United vs Etoile Filante De Ouagadougou: A date with destiny
With the first leg ending in a deadlock, both Rivers United and Etoile Filante De Ouagadougou now turn their attention to the upcoming second leg.
This crucial match is scheduled to be held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Rivers State, Nigeria, on 1st October 2023.
The stakes are high as Rivers United aim to secure a place in the coveted CAF Confederation’s Cup group stage.
The home advantage and the support of their passionate fans could prove to be the catalyst for Rivers United to clinch victory and advance further in the tournament.
The CAF Confederation’s Cup is a prestigious competition that provides a platform for clubs from across the African continent to showcase their talent and compete at an international level.
Rivers United, representing Nigeria, carry the hopes and aspirations of their nation as they navigate their way through this challenging tournament.
With the first leg ending in a goalless draw, it's all to play for in the second leg, and Rivers United will be eager to seize this opportunity and make their mark on the continental stage.
Rivers United confirmed lineup
STARTING XI
GK: AKANDE ABIODUN
Defenders: KAZIE ENYINNAYA, AMPIAH EMMANUEL, TEMPLE EMEKAYI, ENDURANCE EBEDEBIRI
Midfielders: AUGUSTINE OKEJEPHA, ALEX OYOWAH, CHIAMAKA MADU, UKEME WILLIAMS
Forwards: ALBERT KORVAH, NYIMA NWAGUA
SUBSTITUDES
OSAGIE ONISODUMEYA, UCHE JOHN, ASIEGBU SHEDRACK, ADELEKE DAVID, FATAI ABDULLAHI, ODEH PAUL, ONOJA JOSEPH, PAUL ACQUAH, YAO BERNARD
COACH
STANLEY EGUMA
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago