Rivers United look to secure a quarterfinal ticket against Dreams FC today in Uyo, knowing that the maximum points with favourable goals will be enough to book their spot in the last 8 of the CAF Confederation’s Cup.
Rivers United 3-2 victory out in Angola last Sunday put Rivers in a great position, and should they get a comprehensive victory over the “Still believe”, then their progression to the knockout stages will be assured.
Abdul Karim Zito’s team may not have plenty of pedigree on the African continent participating only for the first time, but they seem to have recovered from the initial shock of their 0-2 defeat to Club Africain in Tunisia.
Their double against APC Do Lobito and a 1-0 home win against Club Africain put them in an advantage position to qualify but defeat at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and a win in Tunisia for Club Africain who face APC Do Lobito could mean eliminations for Dreams FC.
How it stands (Group C )
Dreams FC of Ghana currently lead Group C with 12 points from 5 matches while Rivers United are 3rd on the group standings with 9 points from same number of matches.
What the managers say:
Evans Ogenyi’s Pre-Match Statement
Ogenyi: “We are not in any way under pressure because we know it’s not unsurmountable. It is very possible. We went over here (in Ghana), we lost to them 2-1. We know we have a responsibility to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria in its entirety”.
“So we know what is at stake and I believe the moves we have made, it is very possible that Rivers United on behalf of Nigeria will qualify.”
Abdul Karim Zito Pre-Match Statement
Abdul: “I am not sure they can go with us, we are here to unsettle them (Rivers United). They say the end justifies the means and this is the end of the group stage so we are positive.”
“It will be very alarming after acquiring 12 points and at the end of the day, you do not qualify. Seriously we are here to do what we have to do to make it to the next stage.”
Team news
There is no case of any player suspended as both teams have all their players available for selection.
Facts and stats
This will be only the second meeting between both teams.
Following Rivers 3-0 and 1-0 win over APC Do Lobito and Club Africain, Rivers have not conceded a goal at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Match Officials
Referee: Youcef Gamouh (ALGERIA)
Assistant Referee: Mokrane Gourari (ALGERIA)
Assistant Referee: Hamza Bouzit (ALGERIA)
Fourth Official: Loutfi Bekouassa (ALGERIA)
Match Commissioner: Bakary Jammeh (Gambia)
Previous Meetings
We lost our first and only meeting so far against Dreams FC 2-1 in Ghana.
Match Overview
CAF Confederation’s Cup Group C matchday 6
Rivers United vs Dreams FC
Date: Sunday, 3rd March 2024
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo
Time: 5pm WAT
