Rivers United and Academica Petroleos Clube do Lobito squared off against each other at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday evening. This was the second game in Group C, after Club Africain's 2-0 victory over Dreams FC.
It's worth mentioning that Rivers United made it through to the group stages of the CAF Confederations Cup last season. However, they finished second with 10 points from sox games, failing to make the quarter-finals.
Being the team with home field advantage, Stanley Eguma's side were the favourites to win today's game; and they certainly didn't disappoint.
A tightly contested first half
It's important to point out that Rivers United didn't take too long to open the scoring; as Samuel Adom Antwi found the back of the net in the third minute, thanks to a brilliant assist from Alex Oyowah.
GOAL ALERT
⏱️ 3'
? Rivers Utd 1-0 APC do Lobito ⚪
Samuel Antwi puts us in front from a Paul Odeh assist#TotalEnergiesCAFCC || #RIVLOB— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) November 26, 2023
Although the visitors scored just a few minutes later, that goal was flagged for offside. Academica Petroleos tried to get back on level terms, but their hosts proved to be too strong for them.
Interestingly, Rivers United finished the first half with five total shots, with two of those going on target. On the other hand, three of Academica Petroleos' four shots were blocked, while the other went off target. Furthermore, Eguma's men dominated the possession at the midway point of the match, 55-45.
Rivers United stake their claim in second half
We've already established that Rivers United drew first blood in the third minute. Interestingly, they also doubled their lead in the third minute of the second half, thanks to Paul Odeh's strike.
Goaaaaaaaaalllllll
47' ⚽Odeh Inalegwu with a screamer from about 25 yards out to give Rivers United a two-goal cushion!!! #TotalEnergiesCAFCC
— Biobelemoye? (@Ikio_Annabel) November 26, 2023
After the second goal, the visiting team couldn't put up as much of a fight as they did in the first half. Rivers United found the back of the net shortly after the 60 minute mark, ensuring they would go home with all three points.
It's also important to point out that the hosts could've had a bigger lead; as they failed to convert three of their four big chances.
Rivers United finished with 12 total shots. Six of those hit the target, while the other six were off target. In contrast, Academica Petroleos couldn't register a single shot on target in 90 minutes. Four of their nine shots were off target, while the other five were blocked.
Where this result leaves Rivers United on the table
Due to Sunday's victory, Rivers United find themselves at the top of the Group C table. Although they are currently tied on points with second-placed Club Africain, Eguma's men are ahead on goal difference.
On the other hand, Academica Petroleos are at the bottom of the group table with no points and a -3 goal difference.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
