Highlights and report as Akpabio George, Destiny Ashadi, Chika Godwin and Dominic O score for Rivers United
Rivers United Digital | 18th October 2020
Rivers United FC continued preparation for the new football season in emphatic style with a 4-1 victory over Real Sapphire FC of Lagos State
Looking to build upon their 3-2 victory over Jewels FC in another club friendly about 72 hours earlier, Rivers United FC punished Real Sapphire FC for a missed penalty after goals from George Akpabio and Omo Omoregbe leveled scores at half time.
Destiny Ashadi then scored Rivers United’s second (55) after the break following a fine team move.
Chika Okwara Godwin (89) restored the two-goal advantage before Dominic O (99+3) added a somewhat flattering fourth.
Rivers United starting eleven
Rivers United: Afelokhai, Kazie, Bamba, Binuyo, Festus (C), Anamena, Ishaq, Onoja, Gopey, Ashadi, Akpabio
Subs: Odunlani, Desmond, Esor, Chika, Aguda, Malachi,
It was a tale of three chances in the opening 13 minutes for Rivers United, with Ifeanyi Anamena coming closest when his header went narrowly wide off the post from a well taken corner kick by Rafiu Ishaq.
Rafiu Ishaq’s pace was too much for his marker as his solo run and cross was brilliantly finished by George Akpabio for the match opener.
Rivers United could have extended their lead further before the break, but a valiant block from Real Sapphire’s Efe denied Stephen Gopey, while Kazie’s low drive was kept out by the goalkeeper.
Omo Omoregbe against the run of play drew level for Real Sapphire FC ensuring the first half finished with scores at 1-1.
Destiny Ashadi doubled Rivers United’s lead 10 minutes into the second half, adding the finishing touch to a quality move which saw Kazie, Joseph Onoja and Godwin Aguda link-up brilliantly down the right.
Chika Godwin added United’s third after rounding up the goalkeeper before his assist ensured Dominic’s easy tap in from inside the goal area to seal the victory.
