Club Africain had less possession in the first half. New signing Deputy Echeta struck the upright, as the home team dominated proceedings. However, the Pride of Rivers were frustrated by the disciplined defending of the Tunisian side.
Rivers United finally made the breakthrough five minutes before the break after Nyima Nwagua struck from close range, from a well-timed through ball from right back Kazie Enyinnaya to soothe the nerves of the home supporters, as the first half finished 1-0 in favour of Stanley Eguma’s side.
Rivers United started the second half in the same fashion as the first, taking the game to their more illustrious opponents. However, goalkeeper Abiodun Akande made a great save in the 3rd minute of the second half, preventing Nigerian striker Kingsley Eduwo from equalising for the Tunisians.
Club African coach, Said Saibi made some changes to his team, bringing on Wissem Ben Yahia for Federico Bikoro in the 46th minute.
The Tunisians made further substitutions, with Mohamed Amine Hamrouni making way for Adem Taous and Nigerian forward Kingsley Eduwo replaced by Hamdi Labidi, as the visitors somehow took control of the game.
Stanley Eguma responded with Joseph Onoja and Suleiman Abba replacing Samuel Adom Antwi and Echeta Ugonna Deputy.
Club Africain mounted pressure late on, throwing the kitchen sink at Rivers United but it yielded no result.
Ivorian substitute, Yao Bernard had a late opportunity in added time to double Rivers United’s lead but his header struck the woodwork after he was found by Kazie Eyinnaya’s cross, as the game ended 1-0.
The Nigerian flag bearers now have six points from three matches to go joint top of Group C with Club Africain, as Dreams FC of Ghana won 3-2 at APC do Lobito of Angola to stay third in the standings also with six points.
Both teams will meet again in a matchday four contest on Wednesday, December 20 in Tunis.
The Port Harcourt based club are now the third Nigerian club after BCC Lions (1990) and Enyimba (2008) to defeat Club Africain on the continent.
Credit: Rivers United Media
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