Rivers United Secured a Valuable Draw in Bamako

AS Real Bamako were held in at home by Rivers United from Nigeria in the preliminary round of Caf champions league on Saturday, February 11 at Stade Modibo Keita in Bamako.
The Scorpions of Bamako might have missed the wasted the home against a tough Nigerian team but there is still hope of scoring an away goal in Nigeria after a barren first leg.

The home team started the match with unquestionable domination during the first 10 to 15 minutes of play as captain Makan Samabaly and his teammates failed to create any opportunity.
Despite the home supports,the Scorpions will run out of ideas in the face of an opposing team that defended for larger parts of the match.
The first major attempt comes on the 10th minute after a shot from Salim Ba that went above the bar.
The visitors started to gain confidence and responded to the pressure as they issued their first warning in the 17th minute with a shot that hits the goal frame from Zoumana Doumbia, who was for the goalkeeper, Boubacar Sogoba.
AS Bamako led by french engineer Pascal Pons has put more pressure offensively without concrete solutions in front of a compact defence.
Some local actions will be seen by the opponent before the break including a strike that rattled the post from Captain Samabaly in the 41st minute which was nearly countered by Weli Christian on the edge of the goal of Femi Thomas.
Back from the locker room, both teams will try to make a difference this time in a balanced encounter.On 46th minute, the Nigeria team had an opportunity missed by Lukman Mohamed, whose effort was tame.
And failed attempts increases leading to the exits of the fans who were leaving the stadium as Coach Pascal Pons could not hide his frustration and his disappointment.
"Frustrated, I'm very frustrated, we made a pale copy, it's a sad 0-0. I am very disappointed with the performance of my players, very disappointed... "lamented Pascal Pons told Footmali.com

AS Réal Bamako

Boubacar Sogoba, El Hdji Salim Ba, Abdramane Traoré, Alassane Traoré, Makan Samabaly, Mohamed Sangaré (Idrissa L. Traoré 66’), Moussa Ballo, Doumabia Aboubacar, Adama Ballo, Aboubacar Camara (Dramane Traoré 77’), Aboubacar Camara
Subs :
Drissa Kouyaté, Dramane Traoré, Amadou Kéita, Idrissa L. Traoré, Bakoffi Ouattara, Folarin Temitop, Zerbo Mamadou
Coach: Pascal Pons

Rivers United
Femi Thomas, Anazumba Nzube (Ovoko Bernard 84’), Esosa Igbinoba, Guy Venance Kuemian, Olalekan, Zoumana Doumbia, Lukman Mohamed (Bolaji Sakin 56), Festus Austine, Weli Chrsitian, Markson Ojobo.
Subs:
Ifeanyi Nweke, Ayobami Asekunowo, Ovoke Bernard, Bolaji Sakin, Goodbless Asamoah, Sunday Rotimi, Emeka Ogbu
Coach:Stanley Eguma