Rivers United were left stunned in Uyo on Friday night after RS Berkane scored twice deep into stoppage time to claim a dramatic 2–1 victory in their CAF Champions League Group A clash.
What looked like a much-needed home win for Finidi George’s side ended up another painful setback, dropping the Nigerians to the bottom of the table after two matches.
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Rivers United had entered the game under pressure, with Finidi urging his players to stay focused after their 3–0 loss to Pyramids FC in Cairo.
Midfielder Temple Emekayi had also admitted that playing home matches away from Port Harcourt was far from ideal, but insisted the team must “rise from the defeat and deliver a response.”
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For long spells, Rivers did just that. After surviving an early wave of pressure from the Moroccan visitors, the Nigerians grew into the match through set pieces and wide play.
In the 37th minute, they made the breakthrough when Zachariah whipped in a cross that deflected off Mamadou Lamine Camara and wrong-footed goalkeeper Munir.
The own goal sent the home crowd into celebration and looked like the spark Rivers needed to revive their continental campaign.
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Berkane, who had opened their tournament with a confident win over Power Dynamos, were kept quiet for long spells, with Aabid and Bassene forcing only routine saves from Onisodumeya.
Rivers had opportunities to seal the result after the break, but substitute Taoofeek missed two big chances—one blocked by Munir and another fired straight at the goalkeeper after he intercepted a loose pass.
Those misses proved costly. With seven minutes of additional time signalled, Rivers focused on running down the clock, but their strategy backfired.
In the seventh added minute, the Nigerian flagbearers failed to clear a free-kick delivery, leaving Youness El Kaabi free to slam home the equaliser.
ALSO READ: CAF Champions League: Finidi, Chaâbani trade warnings ahead of Rivers United, RS Berkane showdown
Before Rivers could recover, disaster struck again. Goalkeeper Onisodumeya’s attempted clearance rebounded off a Berkane player, the follow-up effort hit the post, and Mounir Chouiar reacted quickest to slot the rebound into an empty net—completing a sensational turnaround.
The late collapse leaves Rivers United at the foot of Group A, while Berkane continue their strong start.
Rivers now travel to Zambia to face Power Dynamos on Matchday 3, a match that already feels very crucial for their qualification hopes.
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