CAFCC: Rivers United put five past Al Nasr in Port Harcourt

Rivers United recorded a massive 5-0 win over Al Nasr Benghazi from Libya in the first leg of the final playoff encounter of CAF Confederation Cup in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Following the elimination from the CAF Champions League, the Pride of Rivers did not want a repeat of what led to their exit from the elite club championship as they went gun blazing against the Libyan side on their home ground.

A brace from Ebube Dudu-both from spot kicks- and the other three from Kazie Eyinnanya, Paul Acquah and Malachi Ohahune has put Rivers in the driving seat for a chance to make the group stage.

The hosts went closed to take the lead inside second minutes to the game when Paul Acquah released Nyima Nwagua in the box but the latter’s shot is saved by Al Nasr goalkeeper, Asiyil Almiqasbi.

Rivers tried another effort from set piece moments later as Kazie Enyinnaya shot to the wall from edge of the box.

The opening goal arrived soon after when Almiqasbi upended Acquah in the box as he tried to take a rebound. Ebube Duru stepped forward and scored from the spot.

It didn’t take much time for the host to double their lead as Kazie Enyinnaya tapped home from a loose ball after the goalkeeper failed to deal with Ebube Duru’s delivery.

There were other chances from Rivers to increase the tally but Malachi Ohawune, Nyima Nwagua and Chiamaka Madu all had their efforts went off target.

Just as both sides were planning to retire to the dugout for the first half, Rivers added another goal, this time, Paul Acquah got his own as he rounded the keeper before slotting home.

The second half was much like the first as Rivers pushed for more goals in a bid to make the return leg a mere formality.

Coach Stanley Eguma brought in the duo of Bolaji Sakin and Ukeme Williams for Nyima Nwagua and Chiamaka Madu to strengthen his side and it paid off.

Malachi Ohawume won a penalty for Rivers United in the box and Ebube Duru convetted from the spot sending goalkeeper the wrong way.

With less than 20 minutes to end the game, Rivers made it 5-0 when Joseph Onoja find Malachi Ohawume on the left, the latter shot beats the goalkeeper from close range.

Substitute Bolaji Sakin went close to make it six for Rivers United with a low shot from edge of box but the goalkeeper smartly tipped it away by for a corner.

All efforts by the visitors to get a consolation proved abortive as Rivers United asserted their authorities through the match. The second leg comes up in Benghazi next Wednesday.