Rivers United vs ASEC Mimosa: Nigeria giants plot to end Ivorian’s unbeaten run

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers United will face an uphill task when they welcome 1998 African Champions, Asec Mimosa in the CAF Confederation Cup group match at the Goodwill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.

The Nigerian and Ivorian sides had contrasting fortunes during their first group games last time out as Rivers United suffered a 3-0 loss to Diables Noir of Congo in Brazzaville with the Port Harcourt-based side.

Asec Mimosa, on their part, played out a 0-0 draw with Motema Pembe in Yamoussoukro.

Stanley Eguma’s side is in the wrong string of form with defeat in its last two games going into this match, with the Nigerian champions stunned by newcomers Doma United 2-1 before their humiliation at Diables Noir.

For Asec, the Ivorian side is in a rich vein of form with an 18-match unbeaten streak in all competitions since its last loss to Horoya in October. Despite its invisibility, Asec has struggled with a win in its last five games coupled with four draws.

On head-to-head comparison, both sides won their previous encounters in the CAF Champions League in 2005 on their various soils, with 2-0 scorelines which took the game to penalties.

Asec emerged victorious on penalties in 2005 after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline. It promises to be an exciting encounter on Sunday between the two West African neighbours in Uyo.