Rivers United tasted both hope and heartbreak in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 2 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Despite taking the lead in the Friday fixture, the NPFL side fell 2-1 to Moroccan giants RS Berkane, leaving the Port Harcourt outfit bottom of Group A with no points, Footballrover reports.

Their historic first goal in the CAF Champions League group stage came via an own goal, but they could not hold on to secure a memorable result.

Rivers United Take Early Lead but Fail to Finish Strong

The first half offered glimpses of promise for United. After their initial goal from a corner kick was ruled offside, Friday Ubong’s effort was deflected off RS Berkane defender Mamadou Lamine Camara, giving the hosts their first ever goal in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The deflection lobbed the goalkeeper and put the home side ahead, thrilling the fans.

However, Rivers United were unable to build on the momentum. The Moroccan champions stayed patient and pressed for a comeback, exposing the NPFL side’s defensive lapses in the closing stages.

Late Strikes Deny Rivers United First Points

All hopes of earning their first points in the CAF Champions League ended in dramatic fashion for United.

Youness El Kaabi drew the visitors level seven minutes into stoppage time, and just a minute later, Mounir Chouair scored the winner to complete a 2-1 turnaround.

This mirrored the heartbreak the Finidi George side experienced against Pyramids FC in Cairo just last week on Saturday.

Takeaways from the Match:

Rivers United remain without an official goal in the CAF Champions League, with only an own goal to their name.

Defensive vulnerabilities persist, as they have conceded five goals in two matches without keeping a clean sheet.

Looking Ahead:

The Pride of Rivers will prepare harder for their next game, as they will be facing Power Dynamos in Zambia for Matchday 3 of Group A in January 2026 after AFCON 2025 concludes.

In the meantime, the team will turn focus back to the NPFL, hosting Kano Pillars at home in their upcoming domestic clash.

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Last Updated on November 28, 2025 8:05 pm by footballrover