By The Nation,Tunde Liadi
Copyright thenationonlineng
Rivers United, Remo Stars advance
Nigeria’s two flag bearers in the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United and Abia Warriors have been bundled out of the continental race by a more business-like Asante Kotoko of Ghana and Djoliba Athletic Club of Mali respectively.
Elsewhere in the CAF Champions League, both Rivers United and Remo Stars both progressed to the second preliminary round.
But yesterday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Kwara United were beaten 1–0 by Asante Kotoko and the slim victory handed the visitors a 5–3 aggregate triumph, sealing their progression to the next round of the continental competition.
After losing a pulsating first leg 4–3 in Accra, Kwara United were banking on their three away goals to overturn the deficit. However, Asante Kotoko displayed greater composure and tactical discipline in Abeokuta, frustrating the hosts for much of the contest.
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The decisive moment came midway through the second half when the Ghanaians capitalised on a defensive lapse to grab the only goal of the game — a strike that effectively ended any comeback hopes for the Nigerian side.
Similarly, Abia Warriors, were eliminated after a lone-goal defeat in Bamako against Djoliba Athletic Club.
Abia Warriors had drawn 1–1 in the first leg played in Uyo but conceded late in Bamako to lose out on 2-1 aggregate.
Meanwhile, Rivers United advanced after defeating Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 in the return leg yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Following a goalless stalemate in the first leg in Kinshasa, the Nigerian side sealed progression on a 1–0 aggregate scoreline, thanks to a first-half strike from Stephen Manyo that proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
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The win sends Rivers United into the second preliminary round, where they will face Black Bulls of Mozambique.
With this result, Rivers United join Remo Stars in the second round of the CAF Champions League. Remo Stars had earlier beaten US Zilmadjou of Comoros 5–0 on aggregate to scale through on Saturday.
The Sky Blue Stars will now face former champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, in the next round.
The second preliminary round is scheduled to hold between October 17 and 26, while the group stage kicks off in November.
