Rivers United suffered a devastating late collapse as Moroccan champions RS Berkane scored twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Matchday 2 of the CAF Champions League.
The Pride of Rivers had looked set for a crucial win after leading from the first half, only for the Confederation Cup holders to turn the match on its head in the dying minutes.
Berkane began the evening on the front foot, with Camara and Khairi dictating the tempo and firing wide from 35 yards in the tenth minute. Rivers responded through Bello Martins 30-yard free-kick, which drifted off target, before slowly establishing control.
The hosts threatened from set pieces, forcing goalkeeper Munir into a desperate punch from Nnaji’s corner. Zachariah then caused panic with a dangerous cross that nearly resulted in an own goal.
Their growing pressure paid off in the 37th minute. Ubong Friday met Zachariah’s delivery inside the box with a volley that deflected off Mamadou Camara and wrong-footed Munir, handing Rivers United a deserved 1–0 lead.
Ubong Friday celebrating the first goal. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Berkane’s attempts to respond were limited, with Aabid sending their lone effort in over 20 minutes well off target.
Rivers miss chances to kill the game
The visitors emerged stronger after the break. Bassene forced a save from Onisodumeya, while Rivers substitute Taoofeek squandered a clear chance after pouncing on a defensive mistake.
Munir denied Taoofeek again in the 66th minute with a one-handed stop from a fierce right-footed strike. Berkane came closest when Machach’s cross found Camara unmarked, but his header drifted agonisingly wide.
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Rivers continued to threaten on the counter. Samuel shot off target after Zachariah dispossessed Khairi in midfield, and Bello Martins forced another nervous stop from Munir late on.
Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
The match exploded in the fifth minute of added time.Youness El Kaabi pounced with a volley after Rivers United failed to clear their lines, bringing Berkane level and silencing the home crowd.
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Seconds later, disaster struck for the Nigerians. Goalkeeper Onisodumeya’s clearance was blocked, the first attempt at an empty net struck the post, and the rebound fell to Chouiar, who swept home to complete a stunning turnaround and give Berkane all three points.
What’s next
Rivers United travel to Zambia to face Power Dynamos on Matchday 3, while RS Berkane return home to host Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
