Rivers United will aim to bounce back from their opening CAF Champions League defeat when they host Morocco’s RS Berkane on Friday, 28 November, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
After a 3‑0 loss to Pyramids FC in Cairo, the “Pride of Nigeria” are determined to turn the tide and chase their first group-stage win.
Rivers United seek redemption after Cairo setback
Coach Finidi George addressed the media on Thursday, acknowledging the lessons from their first game.
“We knew a few mistakes we made in Cairo, and then we pitched for it. I don’t think that will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Rivers United showed resilience for the first 50 minutes in Cairo but conceded three goals in quick succession.
The coach insists the team is focused on intensity, concentration, and securing all three points against RS Berkane.
George stressed the importance of a 90-minute focus, adding, “We will talk with the players and see how we can get them to keep that motivation and that concentration for 90 minutes. We are looking up to the task ahead of us. To win, we have to play our A game.”
He also made it clear that his team will approach the game with all seriousness, refusing to discuss tactics in detail but emphasising their commitment to compete fully.
Berkane arrive as CAF Confederation Cup Champions
Rivers United face a formidable opponent in RS Berkane, who are three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners and the current defending champions after beating Simba S.C. in the 2025 final.
The Moroccan side comes into the match on the back of a 3‑0 win over Zambia’s Power Dynamos, showing their own early group-stage intent.
CAF has appointed Issa Sy as referee for the fixture, with Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura as assistant referees, El Hadji Amadou Sy as fourth official, and Bakary K. Jammeh of Gambia serving as match commissioner.
Rivers United fans will be hoping that home advantage and lessons from Cairo will translate into a spirited performance capable of securing three points.
With George’s emphasis on focus and intensity, Uyo promises an exciting CAF Champions League encounter.
Meanwhile, RS Berkane boss Mounie Chaabani admitted that the Friday CAF CL clash vs the Pride of Rivers will be tough one.
“Tomorrow against Rivers United, it will be difficult because they are a disciplined team as well, from what they were able to show in holding the champions (Pyramids) to a scoreless first half last week.
We will not underrate them at all. “Our goal is to play our game and get a result here. It will be difficult but not impossible,” Chaabani said as quoted by CAFonline.
Full Match Details
Competition: CAF Champions League – Group A
Fixture: Rivers United vs RS Berkane
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Kick-off: 5:00 PM (Naija Time)
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