Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign suffered a major setback on Sunday after the Nigerian flagbearers slumped to a 1–0 home defeat against Zambia’s Power Dynamos in their Group A Matchday Four encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The result leaves Finidi George’s side rooted at the bottom of the group with just one point from four matches, significantly complicating their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
For a team that entered the fixture knowing only victory would keep their ambitions alive, the loss represented a painful missed opportunity.
Rivers United began the contest with urgency, dominating possession and pushing Power Dynamos deep in the opening stages.
Despite their early control, the hosts struggled to break down the disciplined Zambian defence. Clear chances were few and far between, as the visitors remained compact and well organised.
Power Dynamos, encouraged by last weekend’s goalless draw in Ndola, gradually grew into the game.
Head coach Osward Mutapa had warned before the match that Rivers United were strong but vulnerable, and his side appeared content to absorb pressure and wait for openings on the counter.
The first half ended goalless, with both goalkeepers largely untested, but the balance of the match shifted decisively shortly after the restart.
Five minutes into the second half, Rivers United were caught out defensively as Power Dynamos attacked quickly down the right. Kondwani Chiboni met the resulting cross at the near post, firing past Osagie Onisodumeya to stun the home crowd.
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That goal exposed Rivers United’s fragility at the back, exacerbated by the absence of injured defender Ogechukwu Ogbe. Finidi George had reshuffled his defence, pairing Stephen Manyo with Boluwaji Sholumade, while Duke Osimaga was introduced into midfield alongside Wasiu Falolu.
Rivers United responded by committing more bodies forward and creating sustained pressure in the closing stages, but their efforts lacked incision.
The defeat leaves Rivers United facing an uphill task in Group A, now led by Pyramids FC on 10 points after their 3–0 win over RS Berkane. With one point from four matches, Rivers United must now produce a near-perfect finish, beginning with a daunting home clash against group leaders Pyramids, to keep their continental hopes alive.
