Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign hit a new low following a heavy home defeat to Pyramids FC, marking their fourth loss in five Group A matches.
Despite showing early promise, the Port Harcourt side were overpowered 4-1 by the more experienced Egyptian visitors.
Rivers United fail to protect early advantage
The Nigerian team started brightly at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Stephen Manyo fired them into a deserved 1–0 lead in the 33rd minute, offering fans hope of a memorable result.
But the advantage was short-lived. Pyramids FC drew level in the 52nd minute through Mostafa Fathy, taking control of the match.
The visitors’ pressure led to a penalty in the 77th minute after a handball by Rivers United inside the box. Marwan Hamdy calmly converted to give Pyramids a 2–1 lead they never let slip.
Rivers United were unable to recover, and late goal from Odeh Fakhoury in the 88th minute and another from Nasser Maher in stoppage time sealed a dominant 4-1 victory for the Egyptians.
Group A struggles define Rivers United’s campaign
After five matches, Rivers United sit at the bottom of Group A with just one point. Finidi George’s team has lost four games and recorded only a single draw, away against Power Dynamos in Zambia.
Across two meetings, Pyramids FC scored seven goals against the NPFL leaders, while Rivers United managed only one in the group stage.
With qualification now out of reach, Rivers United will focus on their final Group A fixture against RS Berkane.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC consolidate their position at the top of the table with 13 points, strengthening their status as Group A favourites.