NIGERIA’S only representatives left in continental club competitions, Rivers United, secured an away win against Angola’s Academica do Lobito today to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivers United overcame the Angolans 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in Luanda to secure their first away points in the group stage and set up a win-or-bust home fixture against Dreams FC of Ghana.
Academica, who are yet to earn a point in Group C, opened the scoring in the 36th from the penalty spot, but Rivers United responded with three goals.
Udom Ekarette pulled the Nigerians level with a header just four minutes after they went behind, and Alex Oyowah scored from the penalty spot just before half-time to turn the game around.
Farouk Mohammed struck four minutes after the break to double Rivers United’s advantage and put them in the driver’s seat.
Academica put up some fight in front of their home fans and Fernando Camuege netted in the 68th minute to reduce the deficit.
Rivers United held on to claim the win and go level on nine points with second-placed Club Africain of Tunisia, who have a superior goal difference.
As things stand, Dreams FC are on top with 12 points and Academica bottom with no points.
To guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals, Rivers United must beat Dreams FC by at least a three-goal margin when they host the Ghanaian club in the final round of group fixtures next week.
