Rivers United head coach Finidi George has expressed disappointment following his side’s elimination from the CAF Champions League group stage after a 1-0 defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in Uyo on Sunday.
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The Pride of Rivers needed a win to keep their slim qualification hopes alive but were undone by a solitary goal, despite a spirited second-half display that saw them create several scoring opportunities.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Finidi admitted his team failed to impose themselves early in the contest.
“I feel we started the game slowly. It was a game we wanted to win, but we were a bit passive, especially in the first half,” Finidi said.
“We passed the ball too much at the back and that gave them time to organise properly.”
The former Super Eagles winger noted that Rivers United responded better after conceding but were let down by poor finishing.
“In the second half, after we conceded the goal, we came all out to look for an equaliser. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t score. We had opportunities to score even two or three goals, but it didn’t happen. That was quite disappointing.”
Finidi was gracious in defeat, praising Power Dynamos for their defensive resilience.
“That’s football. We have to congratulate the opponent for how they defended and the goal they scored. It’s quite unlucky for us, but we accept it.”
Reflecting on the campaign, the Rivers United coach pointed to his side’s lack of cutting edge as a major factor behind their struggles, both domestically and on the continent.
“One goal in four group games tells a story. In our league, top scorers sometimes finish the season with eight or ten goals after more than 30 matches. That’s very low, and when you come to the continent, you can’t expect something different,” he explained.
“Goal scoring is about mindset and conviction. It’s not just about training.”
Despite their exit, Finidi insists the team must remain focused and motivated ahead of the remaining group matches and the domestic season.
“We can’t condemn the players now because these are the same players we will use. If we do that, the season will become very difficult. We will continue to encourage them and try to improve.”
Looking ahead, Finidi highlighted the importance of experience and recruitment should Rivers United qualify for continental football again.
“Most of these players have not even played in the CAF Confederation Cup before, so this is a learning process for them. If we find ourselves in this situation next season, with better recruitment and added experience, I believe the players will do better.”
Rivers United will play the remaining group matches for pride, with Finidi stressing the need to show character and secure at least a victory before the campaign ends.
“Qualification is now very difficult, almost impossible, but all is possible in football. We want to show character and try to get a win in the last two games.”
Rivers has only one point in four group A matches, where Pyramid is cruising at the top with them points while RS Barkane is trailing with 7 points and Power Dynamos have 4 points with two matches to go.
