Rivers United suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Black Bulls FC of Mozambique in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Saturday.
The decisive goal came in the 50th minute when Moctar Diallo finished off a swift counter-attack, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya from close range.
Despite the loss, the Pride of Rivers showed promise in the opening half, with Maclyn Biokpo and Ubong Friday coming close to scoring. Both sides went into the break goalless after a tight first half.
In the second half, head coach Finidi George introduced Timothy Zachariah, Wasiu Falolu, Seyi Oguntayo, and Okon Aniekeme in search of a breakthrough. However, the visitors could not find the equaliser, and an injury to Okechukwu Ogbu further disrupted their rhythm, forcing a substitution with Temple Emekayi.
Team News
Rivers United made four changes from the squad that defeated FC Les Aigles du Congo 1–0 in the previous round. Okon Aniekeme started in place of Wisdom Samuel, while Osagie Onisodumeya retained his spot in goal.
For Black Bulls FC, Nigerian-born midfielder Rume Akporoh, from Delta State, impressed with his performance against the Nigerian side.
What’s Next?
Rivers United will now turn their focus to the return leg next weekend at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where they will aim to overturn the deficit and advance to the next round of the competition.