Rivers United saw their CAF Champions League campaign suffer a crushing blow on Friday night after the Nigerian champions conceded twice in stoppage time to lose 2–1 to Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane in a dramatic Matchday 2 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The defeat leaves the Pride of Rivers rooted to the bottom of Group A, pointless after two games, and facing a rapidly narrowing path to the knockout stage.
The result leaves The Pride of Rivers rooted to the bottom of Group A and pointless, after suffering back-to-back defeats, intensifying the pressure on head coach Finidi George and his players as their hopes of reaching the knockout stage begin to fade.
Rivers United Take First-Half Lead After Early Pressure
Finidi George’s side produced an improved performance following their opening-day 3–0 loss to Pyramids FC.
The men made a bright and their efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute when a dangerous delivery into the RS Berkane box forced Lamine Mamadou Camara into an unfortunate own goal, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Rivers United controlled the tempo for much of the encounter, maintaining defensive shape, limiting the Moroccans to half-chances and managing the game well through the closing stages of the second half.
Finidi’s Men Control the Game – Until Everything Falls Apart
For long stretches of the match, Rivers United looked composed, disciplined, and fully in control. As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, the hosts appeared destined for a vital first win of the group stage.
But disaster struck deep into stoppage time.
97th Minute: El Kaabi Levels the Score
RS Berkane substitute Youness El Kaabi rose highest in the box to nod home the equalizer from a set-piece in the 97th minute, silencing the crowd and shifting the momentum instantly.
98th Minute: Chouiar Completes the Turnaround
Just 90 seconds later, a horrendous goalkeeping error handed the visitors the winner.
Mounir Chouiar pounced on the loose ball and fired home, completing one of the most dramatic late comebacks the competition has seen this season.
Finidi George: “I cannot explain what happened.”
A visibly emotional and frustrated Finidi George could not hide his disappointment during his post-match interview.
“The overall performance of my players deserved more than the outcome,” the former Super Eagles winger lamented.
“It’s quite unfortunate that we lost. If you ask me what happened, I would say I cannot explain because we had a free-kick, and from our own free-kick they got theirs, which led to the equalizer.”
“It is quite unfortunate that in those extra minutes, we couldn’t manage the game properly.”
“I think the players did well if you look at the 90 minutes, but football is more than just 90 minutes. We have to concentrate.”
The collapse came despite Finidi’s confidence before the match, having earlier assured fans that his side had corrected the defensive lapses that cost them heavily against Pyramids FC.
Finidi is likely frustrated at the team’s inability to manage critical moments, a problem that has now cost them twice in two matches.
Finidi Before Kickoff: “We’ll Put in the Intensity and Get the Maximum Three Points”
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Finidi spoke positivity and determination to turn their campaign around:
“Our focus now is the game we have against RS Berkane. We knew the few mistakes we made in Cairo, and we paid for them. I don’t think that will happen again.”
“We have all the support, and we’ll make sure we put in that intensity and focus to get the maximum three points.”
Acknowledging Berkane’s pedigree, he added:
“It’s going to be a difficult game, no doubt. But the game we played in Cairo has shown us a lot. We don’t want to repeat those mistakes.”
“Football is unpredictable. You never know what will happen after 90 minutes, but we are not going there to play for a draw. We are quite positive that we will carry the day.”
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Group A Standings: Rivers United In Trouble
Rivers United now sit bottom of Group A with zero points, having conceded five goals and scored just once in their opening two matches.
With RS Berkane leading the group on six points, and Power Dynamos and Pyramids FC also in the mix, the Nigerian champions face a monumental challenge to revive their campaign.
Next up is a must-win away clash against Power Dynamos of Zambia, who are also without a point. Anything short of victory could leave Rivers United facing an early exit from the competition.
