Nigeria’s representatives in this year’s CAF Champions League, Akwa United and Rivers United opened their campaigns on a winning note after their slim victories in the first leg of the preliminary round matches played on Sunday.
While reigning NPFL champions, Akwa United defeated Algerian giants CR Belouizdad 1-0 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, their compatriots, Rivers United recorded a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Young Africans of Tanzania.
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Akwa United, making their debut in the Champions League, left it late to win against the Algerians when Ubong Friday scored in the 87th minute.
The goal came after a series of missed opportunities by the Coach Kennedy Boboye boys.
Akwa United will have to produce something special in the return leg on September 19, to stand any chance of moving into the next round.
In Dar es Salaam, Rivers United proved to be the better side as they dominated proceedings to win 1-0.
Four minutes into the encounter, Rivers United striker Nelson Esor failed to beat Young African’s goalkeeper, Diarra Djigui from close range.
However, seven minutes into the second half, Moses Omodumuke atoned for his earlier misses as he scored to break the deadlock and condemn Young Africans to home defeat,
The ‘Ýanga boys’ will also face an uphill task against Rivers United in the return fixture on September 19.
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