CAF CC: Rivers United mustn’t relent in knockout stage pursuit – Stanley Eguma

By Saheed Afolabi

Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma has urged his side not to relent in their pursuit to seek qualification for the next round of the CAF Confederations Cup.

The Pride of Rivers took Club Africain to the cleaners with a 1-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo courtesy of a 43rd minute strike from skipper, Nyima Nwagua.

Eguma was delighted to take another three points at stake but tasked the players not to celebrate yet because of other continental assignments yet to be concluded.

The veteran gaffer described the encounter as a tactical match and he was impressed with how the tactics worked out well due to how the players kept their cool in the game and played according to instructions.

“We have very strong teams in the group. Today, we’ve picked three points but it’s not yet time for celebration because we have other games to play. We’ll go back to Tunis, to ensure we keep a clean slate and then, face other challenges after now,” Eguma told the media.

“It was a good and highly technical game. I give kudos to my players for keeping up with their tactical discipline in this game. Club Africain is a good team, there’s no doubt as they played with a lot of tactics.

“All our tactical plans worked because the players were able to keep their heads down and adhere to instructions.”

Rivers United will face Club Africain in the reverse fixture in Tunis on Wednesday, December 20.

The Pearl of Rivers joins BBC Lions and Enyimba to become the three Nigeria clubs to ever defeat Club Africain in the continent.

The trio of Rivers United, Club Africain and Dreams FC have six points from three matches while leaving APC do Lobito at the rock bottom of the table with no point.