Rivers United return home to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday to face RS Berkane in a CAF Champions League group-stage showdown.
The Nigerian side is eager to bounce back after last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Pyramids FC in Cairo. RS Berkane visit to Uyo comes after a convincing 3-0 win over Power Dynamos, and the Moroccan side will aim to consolidate early group-stage dominance.
Rivers United head coach Finidi George has urged his team to avoid repeating the mistakes that cost them in Egypt.
“We are quite happy that we are here, and our focus now is on tomorrow’s game. We knew the few mistakes we made in Cairo, and we paid for it. I don’t think that will happen tomorrow.
We will have all the support. We will make sure we put in that intensity and focus to make sure we have the maximum three points,” he said.
The former Super Eagles winger stressed concentration for the full 90 minutes:
“In games of this magnitude, your concentration has to be for 90 minutes and not 50 minutes. We have learnt our lesson, we will talk to the players and see how they can keep the concentration for 90 minutes. Our wish is to compete and take the maximum three points, we are quite positive that we will carry the day at the end of 90 minutes.”
Captain Temple Emekayi highlighted the importance of local support:
“Playing at home in Port Harcourt would have motivated us more, but the Uyo fans too have been great supporters, coming out every time we’ve had to play here. So we don’t expect anything less tomorrow (Friday).”
RS Berkane head coach Moïn Chaâbani is wary of a motivated Rivers United.
“Regarding tomorrow’s match, we know that our opponent lost their first match with a score of 3-0. Tomorrow, they will host us on their home ground and will be under enormous pressure to secure the victory.
This element will make the encounter difficult, and we will need to be at maximum concentration to manage it in the best possible way,” he said.
Midfielder Rayane Aabid underlined Berkane’s preparedness:
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“We have well prepared for this match, and our team has the necessary experience in African competitions. We know that the confrontation will not be easy, but we will do everything possible to achieve a positive result.”
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RS Berkane will be missing Mohamed El Morabit and Youssef Mehri due to injuries but welcome back Oussama Lamlioui, Zinédine Machach, and Soumaila Sidibé.
