Yanga SC drown Rivers United in Uyo, set for first ever semifinal berth

Uyo, the land of promise held no promise of a certain CAF Confederation Cup semifinal berth for reigning Nigerian Premier League champion, Rivers United who got drowned at the imposing Godswill Akpabio stadium by Tanzanian Premier League champions Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga SC).

The Wananchi edged out their Nigerian host 2-0 in the first leg of the competition.

A second half brace from Fiston Mayele earned the visitors the massive victory and will now have all the advantage heading into next weekend’s home tie in Dar es Salaam, where they will be staring at a first ever continental semi-final appearance.

‘I am delighted to win because it is not easy to come to Nigeria and win. We played well and took our chances, but the game is far from over. We still have the second leg and we need to do even better to ensure we qualify,’ Nasreddine Nabi, the Yanga head coach said after the game.

Mayele broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when he was picked out by a brilliant through ball from skipper Bakari Mwamnyeto.

The Congolese import ran to the pass before hitting it past the keeper first time.

The same pair was to work together for the second goal scored nine minutes from time, this time Mwamnyeto passing back a recycled ball from a set-piece to Mayele who made no mistake with the second goal.