Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup Rivers United claimed a 1-0 win over Algerian side, USM Alger in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.
Augustine Okejepha netted the only goal of the game in the 10th minute to give the Pride of Rivers an edge.
Rivers United wasted several other chances to double their lead in the game.
In the second half, the Algerian played defensively and pegged back the attacking threat of the home team.
They now face a massive task in their bid to scale through it to the semi-final of the competition following their slim first leg advantage.
The reverse fixture will take place at the Stade du Juliet next week Sunday in Algiers.
It would be recalled that Stanley Eguma’s side was eliminated in the same stage of the competition last year by Young Africans of Tanzania.
However, Rivers United technical adviser, Stanley Eguma has expressed optimism that his side will improve their game in the return leg fixture against USM Alger, Augustine Okejepha scored the only goal of the encounter but Eguma said his team will work on the lapses identified ahead of the return leg in Algiers.
Eguma expressed displeasure with his team’s failure to convert their chances in the encounter.
“We started with a lot of intensity which yielded that early goal. I thought my boys would continue that way. We worked hard to create a lot of scoring chances but unfortunately, the chances were not converted. The scoreline did not reflect the standard of our play.
“I was impressed with my team’s level of chance creation but over-anxiety affected them in scoring during vital moments.
“We will go back to the drawing board and see how we can improve on that. For the scoreline, we just thank God we were able to win because that is the most important thing.
“At this stage last season, we lost our home game (against Young Boys of Tanzania) 0-2 but eventually got a draw in the return leg away from home. We will go away to Algeria with a good fight and hopefully, we will come out with a better result.”
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