Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign came to an end on Sunday after they were held to a 2-2 draw by FC San Pedro at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Nigerian club fought back strongly after going two goals down in the first half, but the comeback was not enough to send them through to the next round.
The result was especially painful for Rivers United because the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire had ended 1-1, leaving the tie open ahead of the return match in Uyo.
San Pedro took the lead in the first leg through Issouf Dosso before Rivers United substitute Iyowuna Douglas equalised in the 69th minute.
Rivers United returned home for the second leg hoping to complete the job in front of their supporters. However, the Ivorian side made a strong start and scored twice in the first half to put the hosts under serious pressure.
The two-goal deficit forced Rivers United to attack after the break. The Nigerian side increased the pressure and eventually scored twice to level the game at 2-2.
The comeback gave Rivers United hope of completing the turnaround, but San Pedro remained organised and held on until the final whistle.
The Ivorian club therefore secured qualification to the next round, while Rivers United were left to regret their slow start.
Rivers United had shown good form at the beginning of the domestic season, defeating Plateau United 2-0 in their opening Nigeria Premier Football League match.
However, their continental campaign ended in disappointment despite their strong second-half display in Uyo.
The result means San Pedro move forward in the CAF Champions League, while Rivers United are eliminated from the competition.
For the Nigerian side, the 2-2 draw showed their fighting spirit, but the two goals conceded in the first half ultimately proved too costly.
