The game, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was expected to give the home side a chance to build momentum in the group stage.
Instead, it ended in frustration for the Nigerian representatives, who let their early advantage slip away in the closing minutes.
Rivers United took the lead in the 37th minute after pressure in the box forced RS Berkane defender Mamadou Camara to put the ball into his own net.
Rivers United took the lead in the 37th minute after pressure in the box forced RS Berkane defender Mamadou Camara to put the ball into his own net.
The goal lifted the home fans and gave Finidi’s men the confidence to push for a second goal.
Despite creating several promising moments, Rivers United could not extend their lead. Their missed chances later proved costly as the visitors grew stronger in the second half.
RS Berkane equalised through Youness El Kaabi, who finished calmly after a defensive lapse.
Despite creating several promising moments, Rivers United could not extend their lead. Their missed chances later proved costly as the visitors grew stronger in the second half.
RS Berkane equalised through Youness El Kaabi, who finished calmly after a defensive lapse.
The Moroccans then completed the comeback with a well-taken goal by Mounir Chouiar, stunning the home crowd and leaving the Nigerian side with no time to respond.
After the match, Finidi George admitted that the defeat was difficult to take. While he praised his players for their effort, he said the result did not reflect the quality of their performance.
According to him, his team deserved at least a point from the game.
Finidi explained that a draw would not have been ideal, but losing in the final moments was even more painful.
After the match, Finidi George admitted that the defeat was difficult to take. While he praised his players for their effort, he said the result did not reflect the quality of their performance.
According to him, his team deserved at least a point from the game.
Finidi explained that a draw would not have been ideal, but losing in the final moments was even more painful.
He noted that his players fought hard, controlled large parts of the match, and created opportunities that could have changed the outcome.
The former Super Eagles winger added that the team must learn to remain focused until the final whistle, especially in continental competitions where experience and discipline make a big difference.
He also encouraged fans to stay positive, promising that the team would bounce back stronger in their next match.
The former Super Eagles winger added that the team must learn to remain focused until the final whistle, especially in continental competitions where experience and discipline make a big difference.
He also encouraged fans to stay positive, promising that the team would bounce back stronger in their next match.
Rivers United still have several games to play in the group stage, and Finidi believes there is enough time to recover and push for qualification.
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