Rivers United, the football club based in Port Harcourt, marked a significant milestone by securing their first away victory in the CAF Confederation Cup. The team emerged victorious in a riveting five-goal encounter against Angolan Académica do Lobito, with a final score of 2-3.
Despite initial rumours suggesting that Rivers United might boycott the Sunday match due to unpaid wages, the team decided to participate. Not only did they play in Sunday's game, but they also achieved a result that has now put them on par with the second-placed Club Africain, who suffered a loss to Dream FC.
This away victory was a significant achievement for Rivers United, who had previously lost two games on the road. The match began on a challenging note for Rivers United, with the hosts taking the lead in the 37th minute, thanks to a well-executed penalty kick by Cabibi.
However, the tide turned three minutes later when Ekerette Udom, a former defender for Sunshine Stars, headed in a cross from Sadiq Abubakar, equalising the score for Rivers United. Alex Oyowah then put the Nigerian side in the lead with a penalty kick in the 44th minute.
Just three minutes into the second half, Farouk Mohammed doubled the lead, with Sadiq Abubakar providing the assist. The home side managed to reduce the deficit when Fernando Camuege scored in the 68th minute, assisted by Cabibi.
Despite the home side's intense efforts to equalise, Rivers United held their ground, securing a crucial away victory that has breathed new life into their continental ambitions.
Following this away win, Rivers United's next goal is to defeat the group leaders, Dream FC, in their upcoming visit to Nigeria.