Rivers United received a humbling in Congo Brazzaville as they lost to Diables Noirs 3-0 in their 2023 CAF Confederation Cup Matchday One encounter, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers, Nigeria’s sole representative on the continent, conceded three goals in a nine-minute spell against their Congolese opposition.
Having failed to qualify for the group phase of the CAF Champions League, Rivers United made it into the CAF Confederation Cup Group stage as Nigeria’s flag bearer.
The Pride of Rivers struggled from the blast of the whistle and went behind on 30 minutes when Carla Wunda blasted home for the hosts.
Diable Noirs doubled their advantage two minutes later courtesy of a fine strike from Jaures Ngombe.
Domi Massoumou scored the hosts’ third goal from the spot in the 37th minute.
Rivers United missed the chance to reduce the deficit when Ebube Duru failed to convert from the spot on 57 minutes.
Rivers United to play ASEC Mimosas next
The other Group B fixture saw D.R. Congo’s Motema Pembe hold hosts ASEC Mimosas to a goalless draw at the Stade de Yamoussoukro in Cote d’Ivoire.
Sunday’s results mean that Rivers United: who are Nigeria’s only representative in the group stages of this season’s continental club competitions, sit in last place in Group B.
Their second group game will see them welcome ASEC Mimosas to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium next Sunday.
