Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted to mixed emotions following his side’s goalless draw with Zambia’s Power Dynamos in their CAF Champions League Group C encounter on Saturday in Ndola.
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The Nigerian team picked up their first point of the group stage after a resilient defensive performance, but Finidi acknowledged that the outcome did not fully meet the team’s expectations, especially in light of their late collapse against RS Berkane in the previous round.
Reflecting on the match, the Rivers United tactician described it as a demanding contest in which his side found it difficult to assert themselves, particularly after the interval.
“It was not the result we were hoping for, but it was a very difficult game,” Finidi said.
“In the first half, we tried to manage the game and contain them. In the second half, they pushed us back and controlled possession, so we spent most of the time defending. We are glad to take a point, but we are not completely satisfied.”
Finidi noted that the context of the group has shaped his assessment of the result, pointing to Rivers United’s painful Matchday Two defeat at home to RS Berkane, where they conceded twice in stoppage time after holding a lead for over 90 minutes.
“If we had beaten RS Berkane at home, this draw would have been an excellent result,” he explained. “Conceding two late goals in that match changed everything. Taking those three points would have made this draw much more valuable.”
Despite the disappointment, the former Super Eagles winger remains confident that Rivers United can turn their campaign around, particularly with the return fixture to be played on home soil.
“We are stronger at home, and the game there will be different,” Finidi added. “We will approach it with a different mentality and hopefully get our first win. At this level, no game is easy, but we believe in our ability.”
Finidi also highlighted the encouraging performances of some of his young players, praising their growth while admitting the team still has room for improvement.
“We have young players who are still developing,” he said. “Our goalkeeper is young, and the left-back we signed is only 18. I’m pleased with some individual performances, but collectively we must raise our level.”
Rivers United will now shift focus to their next CAF Champions League group match at home, where they will be aiming to secure their first victory and reignite their hopes of progressing from Group C.
