Rivers United kicked off their CAF Champions League preliminary campaign with a gritty goalless draw against Les Aigles in Kinshasa on Saturday, a result that head coach Finidi George described as “very good” for his side.
The Pride of Rivers were made to work hard in the Democratic Republic of Congo, facing a Les Aigles side desperate to make their home advantage count.
Backed by a noisy crowd, the hosts pressed relentlessly, but a disciplined and compact defense from the Garden City side kept them at bay.
Rivers United Stand Firm in Kinshasa
Led from the touchline by Finidi, the Nigerian side looked well-drilled and organised.
The backline stayed tight, cutting off spaces and frustrating the Congolese club in the final third.
While Les Aigles threatened, United carved out a few chances of their own but ultimately settled for a stalemate that could prove crucial over two legs.
For Finidi, the clean sheet away from home was a victory in itself.
“I think it’s a very good result for us. It was a difficult match; we had to defend, especially in the second half, a little too deep. But I felt my players were determined not to lose, and they defended well. We also tried to push for a goal. Overall, we did a good job,” the coach said.
Finidi: Clean Sheet is a Win
He admitted the team had hoped to score in Kinshasa but was satisfied with the resilience shown.
“So long as you don’t lose the match, as a coach, you will be happy. We didn’t get the goal we wanted, but we will now focus on the return leg and see how we can win at home,” Finidi added.
That return leg is set for next Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Port Harcourt outfit will look to capitalise on home advantage and their strong defensive foundation.
Victory would secure passage to the next round, where they would face either AC Léopards of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
For now, Finidi’s men return to Nigeria with their CAF Champions League hopes firmly alive — and the belief that Uyo could provide the perfect stage to finish the job.
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