CAF CC: Academica Lobito 2-3 Rivers United: Pride of Rivers edge in a 5-goal thriller

By Oyedji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s sole representative on the continent, Rivers United edged Angolan side, Academica 3-2 in their fifth group game of the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup in Lounda on Sunday.

The Port Harcourt-based side had to come from behind after Leonardo Isola put the host ahead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute.

The travelers responded three minutes later with the equaliser from Udom Ekerette.

Alex Oyowah put them ahead in the 44th minute from the penalty spot.

Ghanaian player, Farouk Mohammed extended Rivers United’s lead in the 48th minute.

In the 68th minute, Fernando Camuege’s goal for the host served us a thrilling end to the game.

The Nigerian side hold on for the win ahead of the last group game against Ghana’s Dreams FC.

Dreams FC pipped Club Africain 1-0 to top Group C with 12 points while Club Africain (Tunisia) and Rivers United both have nine points with the Tunisian side having +5 goal difference alongside the Ghanaian side.

Rivers United have a lot to do in their final group game to make it to the quarter-final after having only just one-goal difference and will need to beat Dreams FC by two-goal wide margin to advance.