Rivers United picked up their first point of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage after a resilient 0-0 draw against Power Dynamos FC in Ndola, Zambia, on matchday three.
The pride of rivers were largely on the back foot for long spells but defended resolutely and were kept in the contest by an outstanding display from goalkeeper Onisodumeya Osagie, who produced a series of crucial saves to deny the hosts.
Power Dynamos started on the front foot and thought they had an early opening when Chifundo Mphasi drifted offside from Daniel Adoko’s inventive Trivela pass following the game’s first corner.
The Zambian champions continued to press, with Eddie Ishmael Ankobo heading goalwards from a Mphasi cross in the 10th minute, only for Osagie to intervene.
Rivers United’s Taofeek Abayomi Itaniyi received the first yellow card of the contest in the 15th minute after fouling Fredrick Mulambia, as Power Dynamos maintained their attacking momentum.
Osagie Onisodumeya. Photo Credit: Foot Nugget
Mphasi twice went close in quick succession, first seeing a close-range effort saved by Osagie after a clever flick from Mulambia, before firing over the bar from another flowing move that was later flagged for offside.
The Rivers United goalkeeper was again called into action in the 33rd minute, producing a point-blank save to keep out Prince Mumba’s fierce effort, as the home side continued to pile on the pressure.
Rivers were forced into an early change in the 38th minute, with Osimaga Devine Duke replacing Ogechukwu Emmanuel Ogbi.
After the break, Power Dynamos resumed their dominance. Mphasi shot over from a promising position following Kondwani Chiboni’s cross, while Brian Masanyinga and John Soko both failed to hit the target as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
The closest chance of the game arrived in the 75th minute when Moses Shumah’s header struck the upright after another dangerous delivery from Chiboni.
Shumah later forced Osagie into a brilliant save with a half-volley, while Power Dynamos also saw appeals for a penalty waved away late on.
Osagie Onisodumeya. Photo Credit: X
Despite conceding 22 shots, six of them on target, Rivers United held firm. The Nigeria Premier Football League leaders managed just six attempts, one on target, and had limited touches in the Power Dynamos penalty area, but their defensive organisation and Osagie’s six saves proved decisive.
READ MORE:exclusive-fidelis-ilechukwu-explains-why-he-turned-down-plateau-united-offer
The goalless draw leaves both sides with a point from the fixture, with Rivers United set to host Power Dynamos in the reverse meeting on the 1st of February as they continue their search for a first group-stage victory.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Later on matchday three, RS Berkane of Morocco are scheduled to host defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, with both teams having won their opening two group matches.
