AFCON 2025
Rivers United have crashed out of the CAF Champions League preliminary round after failing to secure a win over Côte d’Ivoire side San Pedro on Sunday evening.
The Pride of Rivers needed a win to secure qualification into the final round after playing a one-all draw in the first leg away from home.
However, the visitors made life difficult for Finidi George’s men, taking a 2-0 lead at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium before the half-hour mark.
Chijioke Mbaoma reduced the deficit just before the break from the penalty spot to give the host a lifeline back into the game, with the visitors leading 3-2 on aggregate.
Rivers United bagged a late equaliser two minutes from time to restore parity as they pushed to turn the game around.
However, San Pedro held on to the draw as the tie finished two-all after 90 minutes.
Rivers United exit the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on the away goals rule after both legs ended 3-3 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, NPFL champions Enugu Rangers sealed qualification into the final round after edging AS Sobemap on penalties after both legs ended 1-1.
The Flying Antelopes will face MC Alger as they look to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League for the first time since 1982 when the competition was known as African Cup of Champions Clubs.
