CAFCC: Rivers United end ASEC Mimosa winless run with convincing win in Uyo 

By Wale Mustapha

Rivers United recorded a commanding 3-0 win over 18-match unbeaten Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosa in the second group stage match of CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday in Uyo.

United banished all pre-match worries of not playing in Port Harcourt as they got off to a flying start scoring inside first minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Malachi Ohawume reached to the end of Nyima Nwagua’s well measured pass to give the Nigerian champions the lead.

The hosts went close to double their lead in 12th minute when Morice Chukwu forced ASEC goalkeeper, Folly Ayayi to a smart save with a powerful free kick.

The visitors would then benefited from a let off in Rivers’ midfield and attack from left flank, but the hosts’ keeper, Victor Sochima made himself big to deny ASEC from scoring.

As the game approached the end of first half, Rivers make it two with Nwagua providing another assist after he held on and fed a through pass for Williams Ukeme to volley past ASEC keeper.

The hosts started the second half same way they ended the first and they took the game beyond the reach of their guests from Abidjan with the third goal.

It was Ndasi Kadiang who rose highest to head home from Ebube Duru’s corner for  ASEC to play the catch up after conceding the third goal in the remaining moments of the second half.

The Ivorians came close to reduce the tally but Soochima was having a field day with brilliant stops to few threats threw at him.

The victory powered Rivers United to second in Group B as they head to Brazzaville to take on Motema Pembe in their third game of the group stage.