The ‘Pride of Rivers’ stole the show as goals from Emeka Atuloma in the 28th minute and Guy Kuemian in the 51st minute sunk ‘Gikundiro’ in a CAF Confederation Cup first leg game at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday 16 April, 2017.
Rivers United had to make it count following their rejuvenated form with wins over Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS FC) and Abia Warriors in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
In the fourth minute, Rivers United’s Emeka Ogbugh would have scored but he squandered his opportunity as his shot was way off target against Rayon Sports goalie, Ndayishinye. Two minutes later, Rayon Sports’ Moussa Camara beat off his marker to have his low shot saved by Rivers United goalie, Sunday Rotimi.
In the 13th minute, Kwieera Pierrot’s free-kick into the box of Rivers United connected an on-rushing team-mate, Nova Bayaoua, but an alert Rivers United goalie, Sunday Rotimi pushed the ball over the cross bar. Rayon Sports were gaining the full control of the midfield as a loose ball lined in perfectly for Mugheni Fabrice whose shot was saved yet again by goal keeper Rotimi.
The first goal of the match was scored by Rivers United’s Emeka Atuloma in the 28th minute when an Ifeanyi Nweke cross from the left flank connected with the boots of midfielder who put the ball in the back of the net.
The Ivorien import, Guy Kuemian rounded off the game with a world-class finishing in the 51st minute as his lob shot from 18 yards was a delight to watch as Rayon Sports goalie, Ndayishinye was clearly beaten.
Rivers United’s forward, Guy Kuemian was all over the place as his quick feet, dribbles and his running into channels were overwhelming for Rayon Sports’ defence backline to contain. The Ivorian import of Rivers United was almost rewarded for his fine form as his goal-bound overhead kick just went inches off the upright in the 83rd minute.
POST-MATCH REACTION
The chief coach of Rivers United, Willy Udube, who filled in for technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, who had been under the weather, was elated with the win. Coach Willy admitted that his game plan did not work out but he appreciates the win.
“The boys from Kigali are very good ball jogglers so my team will go home, work on their errors so that we win to make it right on the second leg,” said Coach Willy.
Rivers United captain, Festus Austine, said he was delighted with the two goals scored by his team mates but that he expected more goals. He went further to applaud his opponents as a very tactical side and that will make Rivers United sit up when he (Austine) talks to his boys.
Rayon Sports technical adviser. Coach Irambona Massoudi Njuma said that he accepted his team was defeated on Sunday. “Football is 180 minutes; 90 minutes was played here in Nigeria but the remaining 90 minutes that will be played in Kigali will be different,” Njuma said.
Coach Njuma highlighted his disappointment for his not having a video footage of the first leg match so he can watch to make tactical adjustments to his team before the return leg in Kigali.
TEAM STATISTICS
Rivers United: Sunday Rotimi, Ifeanyi Nweke, Zoumana Doumbia (Ojobo Markson 75’), Emeka Atuloma, Ayobami Asekunowo, Festus Austine, Bolaji Sakin, Kuemian Guy, Emeka Ogbugh, Esosa Igbinoba (Asamoah Godbless 58’) and Christian Weli (Nzube Anaezemba 69’).
Substitute(s) not used: Akande Abiodun, Douhadji Joseph, Ovoke Bernard and Maduabuchi Okereke.
Rayon Sports: Ndayishinye Eric, Nanei Thierry, Savio Nshuti, Gabriel Owgaso, Fiston Munefero, Niyoneina Seif (Mutuyimana Evariste 72’), Nova Bayaoua (Muhire Kevin 85’), Djabel Nanishimwe (Irambona Eric 63’), Moussa Camera, Kwieera Pierrot and Mugheni Fabrice.
Substitute(s) not used: Mugisha Francois, Abuba Sibomana, Tidiane Kone and Njengiyonra Mustapha
Yellow card(s)
Rivers United: Emeka Atoluma (23′) and Markson Ojobo (77′)
Rayon Sports: Gabriel Owgaso (80’)
Red card(s)
Rivers United: Nil
Rayon Sports: Nil
Goal(s)
Rivers United: Emeka Atuloma (28’) and Guy Kuieman (51’)
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