CAF CL: Why we lost to Pyramid FC of Egypt – Rivers United Coach, Finidi

Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has shared his thoughts after his team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Pyramids FC in their CAF Champions League Group A match on Saturday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

The defending champions, Pyramids FC, were dominant, but Rivers United managed to hold them throughout the first half with disciplined defending and good organisation. However, things changed quickly after the break. The home team increased their pressure, and Rivers United struggled to keep up with the intensity.

Pyramids FC forward Ahmed Atef El Sayed was the star of the game, scoring all three goals. His clinical finishing and quick movements caused problems for the Rivers United defence, especially in the second half.

Speaking after the match, Finidi George said his players put in a good effort but lost focus at key moments. According to him, defensive lapses and the inability to convert chances cost them the match.

“We played well, but we were not sharp enough in front of goal,” Finidi said. “Our first half was good, and we matched them. But in the second half, their opening goal came from a mistake by one of our defenders. When you give a strong team like Pyramids a chance, they take it and gain momentum.”

He added that once Pyramids FC scored their second goal, it became very difficult for his team to recover.

“After the second goal, the game slipped away from us. We tried to push back, but they were already in control,” he said.

Finidi encouraged his players to learn from the defeat and stay focused as the competition continues.

He expressed confidence that the team can still bounce back in their remaining group matche

PM News reports that Rivers United is the only Nigerian clubsides playing  on the continent this season after three other crashes out at the Preliminary stage.