*Rivers United claimed a famous victory at the Dr. Molemela Stadium.
*Rivers United put on a masterclass to win at Bloemfontein Celtic.
If you want to view football in the most thorough and positive way, then CAF Confederation Cup first round first leg tie Bloemfontein Celtic 0-2 Rivers United was a tactical game between two entertaining sides with a number of chances at goal, and it was decided by the “Man of the match” performance of defence marshal Ifeanyi Anaemena, talented Godwin Aguda and the intelligence of Fortune Omoniwari.
In some ways, I guess you’d be right. You’d also be pretty on point, because what we saw from Stanley Eguma’s team was a masterclass at playing a certain type of football.
There were standout performances throughout the team — Theophilus Afelokai in goal, Fabian Nworie at the back, Kazie Enyinnaya and Bamba Bakari out wide, the trio of Desmond Agbekpornu, Kehinde Adedipe and Cletus Emotan in midfield, and Malachi Ohawume the lead striker — but what struck me most was the collective and the way Rivers United pressed at the right times and in the right areas to disrupt Celtic.
Eguma wiped the floor in the tactical battle against his opponent and, lest we forget, that takes two things: game planning and execution. Even the most brilliant plan — and Eguma has shown he’s a sophisticated thinker in that regard — falls apart if you don’t get buy in.
On Wednesday, it was total, and that’s a credit to his work on the training pitch.
— Full Time Report: Bloemfontein Celtic 0-2 Rivers United
— Star Performer: Ifeanyi Anaemena
His composure, class, ability on the ball was evident for all to see and little wonder he was nominated and picked as the Man of the match.
He had these words to say after the match.
” I have to thank God first of all. I have to say that the team we play Bloemfontein Celtic, they are a very good side, I see the technically in their team but we are lucky to have played compactly and they effort we put in the game was enough for us to get the victory so it was a very good one for Rivers United coming out with a victory here in South Africa.”
— What Next?
Rivers United will kick start their NPFL campaign at home against Rangers FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
(C) Mayuku Charles.
