CAFCC: NPFL champions Rivers United end group stage in defeat

The Nigerian champions failed in their quest to finish as group winners in the CAFCC after falling to a defeat in their final game of the group stages.

Rivers United were visitors to ASEC Mimosas in the Ivorian city of Yamoussoukro but failed to conquer their host following a 1-0 defeat.

The Pride of Rivers needed just a point to finish as Group B but fell to a second-minute goal from Mofosse Karidioula.

Kariodioula proved to be a handful for the United defence and took little time to score what turned out to be the winner after just two minutes.

Nigerian champions United dominated the encounter in Cote d’Ivoire but failed to turn their dominance into something tangible.

The Rivers State team struggled to create any meaningful chances while their hosts, Mimosas, inspired by the match-winner, looked the most dangerous of the two.

Mimosas attempted nine shots compared to United’s four and created two solid chances in the game and also limited the visitors to half chances in the game.

Despite the defeat, United were already guaranteed a place in the quarterfinal of the CAFCC alongside their conquerors.

However, the result means the Pride of Rivers finished second in Group B, three points behind winners Mimosas.

In terms of possible opponents in the last eight, the NPFL champions could meet either   Marumo Gallants FC from South Africa, AS FAR of Morocco or Young Africans from Tanzania in the next round.

The draw for the TotalEnergiesCAFCC quarterfinal is slated for Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian side will now switch attention to the football league back in Nigeria looking to bounce back to winning ways.

They face Niger Tornadoes next and will be hoping to return to winning ways after losing their nine-match unbeaten run.

United sit second in Group B of the abridged NPFL season, just a point behind leaders Lobi Stars, who have played one more game.

The Pride of Rivers have taken two points from their last two away trips in the football league this season.