A superb Nelson Esor goal and that of scoring goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai was not enough to earn Rivers United the valuable three points as the “Pride of Rivers were held to a 2-2 draw by Akwa United at the Sharks Stadium Port Harcourt in Wednesday’s Governor Nyesom Wike preseason tournament tie.
Rivers United boss Stanley Eguma who made three changes to his starting eleven with Bobby Clement, Bamba Bakari, and Bashir Sherrif given the nob, saw his side start the game strongly but fall behind to Ikechukwu Nwani’s strike from a set-piece delivered by Morice Chukwu to end the first half trailing by a lone goal.
Nelson Esor gifted Rivers United a goal back after the restart. He rifled home a low shot after combining beautifully with Fortune Omoniwari. The equalizer was greeted with a standing ovation.
Rivers United search for goals was rewarded as they went ahead in the tie from the penalty spot on 67 minutes after Ukeme Williams was penalised for ball handling.
Scoring goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai stepped up to take the kick and sent goalkeeper Jean Efala the wrong way to give Rivers United the lead.
The lead was however short-lived as Olisa Ndah headed in Morice Chukwu’s free-kick beyond Theophilus Afelokhai to rescue a point for the Uyo landlords.
A point keeps Stanley Eguma’s side third on the Group A log with 4 points from 3 matches, 3 points behind table-toppers Lobi Stars who have amassed 7 points from 3 matches. Akwa United sits in the second position on the log with 5 points from 3 matches.
The race for semi-final places from Group A looks even more interesting with Ottasolo FC still in the race with 3 points from 2 matches leaving Cynosure FC the weeping boys with no point from 3 matches played.
Rivers United will confront Cynosure FC in their last match of the group stage as their hopes of advancing to the semi-final now depend on what happens in the other match of the day.
Day 7: Thursday 12th November 2020
Group A
Cynosure FC vs Rivers United (2pm)
Ottasolo FC vs Akwa United (4pm)
