Rivers United earn valuable away draw against San Pedro in CAF Champions League

Rivers United fought back to secure a 1-1 draw away to San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Saturday.

The Nigerian club, known as the Pride of Rivers, survived a competitive opening half in which both teams created several chances but were unable to break the deadlock before the interval.

San Pedro eventually moved ahead 11 minutes into the second half. Issouf Dosso capitalised on an opening in the Rivers United defence to put the home side in front and give the Ivorian club the advantage in the tie.

Rivers United responded with greater urgency and levelled in the 69th minute through substitute Iyowuna Douglas.

Douglas displayed composure inside the penalty area before calmly converting to bring Finidi George’s side back into the contest. His goal ensured Rivers United left Cote d’Ivoire with a result that keeps the first-round tie finely balanced.

The visitors defended resolutely during the closing stages and held on to claim an important away draw ahead of the return fixture.

The second leg will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo next Sunday. The winner over the two legs will progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Rivers United’s performance gives them an opportunity to complete the job on home soil, although San Pedro remain firmly in contention after taking the lead in the opening match.

Nigeria’s other representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rangers International, will begin their first preliminary round tie against Sobemap FC of Benin Republic on Sunday.

That match will be held at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Rivers United’s draw came after both clubs had spent much of the first half testing one another without finding a decisive breakthrough. San Pedro were eventually rewarded for their pressure after the restart, but the hosts could not protect their advantage once Douglas restored parity.

The result leaves the tie to be decided in Uyo, with both sides still capable of reaching the next stage of the competition.