Rivers United secured a goalless draw against Zambia’s Power Dynamos in their CAF Champions League encounter, winning their first point of the campaign after a disciplined away performance.
In what was the first-ever meeting between both sides, Rivers United were forced to absorb sustained pressure from the hosts but stood firm, with goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya delivering an outstanding display to earn the Nigerian champions a crucial point.
Power Dynamos dominated the early exchanges and created several clear-cut chances, but Onisodumeya was in inspired form, producing a series of fine saves, including two point-blank stops in the first half to deny the Zambian side a breakthrough.
Rivers United also had moments on the counter, with Friday Ubong causing problems and testing the opposition goalkeeper midway through the second half.
The visitors were disciplined defensively throughout the contest, surviving spells of pressure, particularly before the break when Power Dynamos missed a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Rivers United made tactical substitutions to maintain balance and energy, ensuring the hosts were kept at bay as the match wore on.
Despite late pressure from Power Dynamos, Rivers United held their shape and composure, seeing out the four minutes of added time to claim a hard-earned draw.
The result leaves Rivers United in dangerous position after picking only a point in three matches in a group that RS Barkane of Morocco and Pyramids of Egypt both of whom on maximum six points pending their result later in the day.
River United quarter-final qualification hopes is fading with time as they are condemned to win their remaining three games to stand a chance staring with matcday four encounter against Power Dynamos in Uyo.
