Nigeria Professional Football League Champions Rivers United FC on Sunday evening defeated DC Motema Pembe 0-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup group B encounter in Congo.
The Pride of Rivers were equally matched with their opponents until left-back Ebube Duru was sent off for a rash challenge in the first half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rivers United FC were solid defensively to repel all attempts by the adventurous Motema Pembe players.
A combination of poor goalkeeping and luck presented Rivers United FC with an opportunity to score in the 53rd minute.
Rivers United FC forward Paul Acquah sent a header directly at the opposition goalkeeper, but he mishandled the ball and it fell kindly before Acquah for a tap-in to put Rivers United FC 0-1 up.
Motema Pembe poured forward in search of an equalizer, but each attempt was met by excellent defending plus fantastic goalkeeping by Rivers United FC’s Sochima Victor.
It finished Motema Pembe 0-1 Rivers United FC. The Nigerian side now occupies top spot in Group B with six points.
In round four of CAF Confederation Cup group stage matches, Rivers United FC will host DC Motema Pembe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo.
