Rivers United sealed their place in the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
Head coach Finidi George’s side controlled much of the first half but had to remain patient before finding the breakthrough. The decisive moment came on the stroke of half-time when Stephen Manyo drilled home from inside the box to give the hosts a precious lead.
The solitary goal proved enough to secure a 1-0 aggregate win following a goalless first leg in Kinshasa, sending the Port Harcourt club into the next phase of Africa’s premier club competition.
Rivers United will now face Mozambican champions Black Bulls in the second round as they continue their bid to reach the group stage. Nigeria’s other representative, Remo Stars, are set to meet South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in their own second-round tie.
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