CAFCL Heartbreak: Finidi laments painful home defeat to RS Berkane

Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has voiced strong disappointment after his team suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Moroccan side RS Berkane in their CAF Champions League matchday two clash on Friday.

The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Port Harcourt club started brightly and appeared to be in control.

Rivers United took the lead in the 37th minute when a dangerous attack forced Mamadou Camara of RS Berkane to divert the ball into his own net, giving the Nigerian side a confidence boost.

For most of the game, Rivers United held their ground, defending well and trying to extend their advantage.

However, the visitors refused to give up. RS Berkane mounted heavy pressure in the closing stages and dramatically turned the game around with two late goals. Youness El Kaabi equalised, and shortly after, Mounir Chouiar struck the winning goal, stunning the home supporters.

Speaking after the match, Finidi said the loss was “devastating,” especially because his players had given a performance he believed was worthy of at least a point.

“A draw wouldn’t have been the ideal result for us, but losing like this is very painful. The overall performance of the team deserved much more than what the scoreline shows.

It is quite unfortunate that we ended up losing today,” the former Nigerian international said.

Finidi added that the team must learn from the experience, stay focused, and work harder ahead of their remaining group-stage fixtures as they continue their quest for CAF Champions League success.