Rivers United earned a valuable 1-1 draw against San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Saturday.
The Pride of Rivers started the contest with a positive approach and created several chances during the opening half. However, neither side found the breakthrough before the interval.
San Pedro returned from the break with greater purpose and eventually took the lead in the 56th minute. Issouf Dosso capitalised on an opening in the Rivers United defence to put the hosts ahead.
Rivers United responded well after falling behind. The Nigerian side increased its attacking pressure and found the equaliser in the 69th minute through substitute Iyowuna Douglas.
Douglas showed composure inside the box before calmly finishing the chance. His goal restored parity and gave Finidi George’s team a strong platform for the closing stages.
Douglas Rescue Gives Rivers United Valuable Advantage
Rivers United remained organised after drawing level and held firm until the final whistle. As a result, the visitors secured an important away draw ahead of the second leg.
The result gives Rivers United a chance to finish the tie on home soil. The decisive return fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo next Sunday.
Rivers United will need another disciplined performance in the second leg. The winner of the two leg tie will advance to the next round of the CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s other representatives in the competition, Rangers International, will begin their campaign on Sunday. Rangers will face Sobemap FC of Benin Republic at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
The result in Ivory Coast gives Rivers United confidence heading into the return match. Nevertheless, Finidi George’s side must stay focused and make full use of home advantage to secure progression.
