AFCON 2025
Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign came to a disappointing end over the weekend following a 3–0 defeat to RS Berkane, a result that sealed their elimination from the competition. The Nigerian representatives endured a difficult group stage marked by narrow defeats and missed opportunities.
Across six matches, Rivers United managed just a single point, struggling to convert competitive performances into results. Defensive lapses at key moments and inefficiency in front of goal ultimately proved decisive in a demanding continental group.
Saturday and Sunday’s fixtures across Africa confirmed the final shape of the knockout rounds, as several heavyweight clubs secured qualification with composed and clinical performances.
Rivers United’s hopes of finishing the group stage on a positive note were undone in Morocco, where RS Berkane delivered a commanding performance and defeated the Nigerian side by 3 goals to nothing. Youssef Mehri opened the scoring before Paul Valère Bassène added further goals to complete a convincing victory.
The result confirmed Berkane’s progression while Rivers United finished bottom of the group.
Mamelodi Sundowns reinforced their credentials with a controlled 2:0 victory over MC Alger. The South African side dictated proceedings, using their attacking fluidity and defensive discipline to secure maximum points. The win ensured Sundowns finished top of their group and advanced comfortably into the quarter-finals.
Esperance produced a composed performance at home, dispatching Petro de Luanda with relative ease. Clinical finishing and structured defensive play allowed the Tunisian giants to control the encounter.
A comfortable 2:0 home win confirmed Esperance’s qualification for the knockout stage.
Simba SC secured a narrow but vital 1:0 victory, with a solitary goal proving decisive in a tightly contested match. The Tanzanian side showed defensive resilience to protect their advantage. The win strengthened Simba’s position as the group stage concluded.
Pyramids FC delivered one of the weekend’s most convincing displays, overpowering Power Dynamos by 3:1 in a dominant attacking performance. The Egyptian side’s clinical edge ensured a comfortable victory.
The result confirmed Pyramids’ strong finish and progression into the quarter-finals.
Al Ahly produced a composed and authoritative 2:0 performance to defeat AS FAR, securing a crucial victory in front of their home supporters. The Egyptian giants controlled large portions of the contest, combining defensive discipline with clinical finishing.
The result confirmed Al Ahly’s progression into the quarter-finals, underlining their reputation for delivering in decisive Champions League fixtures.
Young Africans edged a tightly contested encounter against JS Kabylie by 1 goal to nothing with a solitary goal proving decisive. The Tanzanian side demonstrated patience and defensive resilience in a match defined by fine margins.
The victory ensured Young Africans closed their group stage campaign on a strong note, maintaining momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
With the group stage fixtures concluded, the CAF Champions League now moves into the quarter-final phase, where the continent’s elite clubs will contest for a place in the semi-finals.
For Rivers United, attention returns to domestic competition following a campaign that highlighted the unforgiving margins of continental football.
