Rivers United survive Diables Noirs scare to book quarterfinal spot

Nyima Nwagua celebrates with teammates. (Photo credit: Justina Aniefiok)

CAFCC Rivers United survive Diables Noirs scare to book quarterfinal spot

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:45 - 19.03.2023

Nigerian champions Rivers United have made it to the CAFCC quarterfinal after a share of the spoils against Diables Noirs.

Rivers United are through to the quarterfinal of the CAFCC following a four-goal thriller against Diables Noirs on Sunday.

Nyima Nwangwa was the hero of the day this time as the NPFL champions came from behind to share the spoils with their visitors after a 2-2 draw.

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Nwangwa scored a four-minute brace in the second half to help Rivers United get the all-important point needed to seal a place in the quarterfinal from Group B.

Rivers United fail to get revenge

NPFL champions Rivers United came short of their quest for revenge against Congo side Diables Noirs in the CAFCC.

United hosted the Congolese looking for revenge after the in-famous 3-0 defeat when both sides clashed in the reverse fixture in Brazzaville back on February 12.

CAFCC: Rivers United survive Diables Noirs.
Rivers United are through to the CAFCC quarterfinals.

However, despite their incredible unbeaten run in five matches heading into the game, it was Noirs who started on the front foot.

Rivers United survived an early scare after Emmanuel Ampiah’s own goal gave Diables Noirs a shock lead just before the half-hour mark at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

https://twitter.com/RiversUnitedFC/status/1637509357301579776?s=20

But like champions that they are, Rivers United came back stronger in the second half to take a 2-1 lead thanks to Nwangwa’s four-minute brace.

Four minutes after the former Kano Pillars man gave the Pride of Rivers their first lead in the game, Noirs hit back through Deo Bassinga to level the score nine minutes from time.

Rivers United held on for a share of the spoils that was enough to see them through to the last eight after taking 10 points from a possible 15.

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