Rivers United suffered a late setback on Friday as Moroccan giants RS Berkane snatched a 2–1 victory in their CAF Champions League group-stage clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The hosts went into the break with a 1–0 advantage after a disciplined first-half performance.
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However, the game turned dramatically in stoppage time, with Berkane scoring twice in the final minutes to overturn the result.
Youness El Kaabi, who was later named Player of the Match, drew the Moroccans level in the 90+7 minute, finishing off a ferocious late push by the visitors.
Just one minute later, Mehdi Chouiar completed the comeback at 90+8, stunning the home supporters and sealing three crucial points for RS Berkane.
Rivers United made several substitutions in the second half as they sought to protect their lead, introducing O. Duke, S. Oguntayo, W. Samuel, D. Sholumade, and T. Otaniyi to freshen the squad. Despite their efforts, defensive lapses in additional time proved costly.
The Nigerian side also picked up three yellow cards, with bookings for D. Sholumade (73’), B. B. Martins (90+6’), and an earlier caution for A. Assal.
For Berkane, El Kaabi and Assal were standout performers, each earning high ratings, while Rivers United’s O. Ogechukwu was the home team’s best-rated player on the night.
The defeat leaves Rivers United needing a strong response in their subsequent group matches as they continue their push for continental progression.
RS Berkane’s win also aligned with the match’s AI forecast, which had predicted the Moroccan side as favourites.
Rivers United will now regroup ahead of their next fixture, with lessons to be drawn from a dramatic ending that denied them at least a point.
