RS Berkane produced a late comeback to defeat Rivers United 2-1 in their second group match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, SportPremi Reports.
The Pride of Rivers looked set for a first win of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League after taking the lead in the first half through an own goal by Mamadou Camara, but the visitors scored twice in stoppage-time to clinch a dramatic win.
The former NPFL champions have no points from their first two games, while RS Berkane move to the top of the group with six points, ahead of the remaining group game between Power Dynamos and Pyramids FC.
First half: Rivers United take crucial lead into the break
Rivers United head coach Finidi George was confident of his side’s chances heading into the clash, as they needed a win to revive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
The hosts started the game confidently dominating proceedings and went close to scoring the opener through Ubong Friday, who missed the target from a promising position.
Isaac Annor also went close for the home side, but his header was saved by Munir Mohamedi in the visitors goal.
Rivers United were not to be denied in the 37th minute, as Mamadou Camara put the ball into his own net to give the Nigerian side the lead.
Second half: Visitors produce late comeback to seal remarkable win
RS Berkane started the game brightly, but were thwarted by Rivers United goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya.
Both sides then traded several other chances to add to the scoreline, as the home side looked on course to grab all three points from the clash.
However, they collapsed right at the death as the visited netted twice in added time to snatch the victory.
First, Youness El Kaabi scored the equalizer in the 97th minute, before Mounir Chouiar completed the comeback two minutes later.
RS Berkane sealed the dramatic win to move top of the group, while Rivers United suffer their second defeat of the campaign.
Rivers United lose again
Rivers United suffered a second defeat as they remained without a point and are at the risk of early elimination from the competition.
A victory would have eased pressure ahead of a doubleheader against Power Dynamos, but they must now win both legs against the Zambian club to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive
Players Ratings:
Rivers United Players Ratings
- Onisodumeya – 5.1
- Annor – 6.1
- Manyo – 6.9
- Ogechukwu – 7.1
- Abdulrafiu – 6.2
- Nnaji – 6.1
- Bello – 6.9
- Falolu – 5.8
- Friday – 6.5
- Obi – 5.5
- Zachariah – 6.3
Substitutes
- Wisdom – 6.6
- Otaniyi – 6.8
- Sholumade – 5.9
- Oguntayo – 6.2
RS Berkane Players Ratings
- Munir – 7.0
- Assal – 8.0
- Haddadi – 7.3
- Manaout – 6.8
- Azri – 6.9
- Aabid – 6.3
- Khairi – 6.5
- Camara – 6.4
- El Moussaoui – 6.6
- Bassene – 6.5
- Chouair – 7.9
Substitutes
- Riahi – 7.0
- Machach – 7.3
- Lamlioui – 6.1
- El Kaabi – 7.0
Man of the match
Abdelhak Assal (8.0/10) – The defender was very impressive throughout the clash and won the most duels by any player (10). He also made nine clearances and four recoveries and completed 80% of his passes.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Rivers United 40% – 60% RS Berkane
Total Shots: Rivers United 12 – 14 RS Berkane
Shots on Target: Rivers United 4 – 5 RS Berkane
Pass Accuracy: Rivers United 75% – 78% RS Berkane
Corners: Rivers United 5 – 2 RS Berkane
What Next?
Rivers United face Power Dynamos on match-day three, while RS Berkane battle Pyramids FC in a repeat of the 2025 CAF Super Cup.
