Paul Acquah’s hat-trick powers Rivers United past Motema Pembe

By Wale Mustapha

Paul Acquah scored a hat-trick as Rivers United defeated Democratic Republic of Congo side Motema Pembe 3-1 in the CAF Confederation Cup match in Uyo on Thursday.

The Pride of Rivers were eager to earn their third consecutive wins in the rescheduled Matchday four against their Congolese foes at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and they succeeded.

Poised for a win, Stanley Eguma’s men looked fired up to complete the double against their visitors, having recorded a win fortnight ago in Congo.

Led by stand-in Nyima Nwagua in attack, Rivers pressured Pembe to commit errors in the early stage but the hosts’ attackers found themselves unlucky to convert their numerous chances.

With the opening half set to end in a stalemate, Rivers finally found the long sought breakthrough through Ghanaian midfielder Acquah off an inch perfect cross from Williams Ukeme.

After the break, Eguma’s side started the second half hungrier than they ended the first, with Acquah at his best to double the advantage after the 27-year-old drove in on the edge of the box before firing home from Ampiah Emmanuel’s cross.

Moments later, the Nigerian champions improved their attack with the introductions of Chiamaka Madu and Temple Emekayi replaced Joseph Onoja and Lawrence Agbor.

With 12 minutes left to go, Motema Pembe came alive in the contest and eventually found a way past the Nigerian defence, halving the deficit through Mydo Nakouho Yallet.

The former Hearts of Oaks midfielder Acquah completed his hat trick in the added time as he turned in Madu’s through pass from close range.

The victory has seen Rivers United move top of the Group B standings with nine points from four games.

With a two-point lead, they have a chance to seal their slot in the quarterfinal stage with home game against Diable Noirs from Republic of Congo.