Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted his side paid the price for key errors following a heavy home defeat to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League.
The Port Harcourt team were beaten 4–1 by the Egyptian champions in their matchday five fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, a result that ended their hopes in the competition.
Rivers United Start Bright but Lose Grip
United started the game with confidence and took the lead in the 33rd minute when Stephen Manyo fired home a powerful long-range free kick.
The goal capped a solid first-half display in which the Nigerian side limited Pyramids FC’s attacking threat.
However, the game shifted after the break as the visitors raised the tempo and took control of midfield. Rivers United struggled to cope with the increased pace and movement from the Egyptian champions.
Pyramids drew level in the 53rd minute through Mostafa Fathi, who finished calmly after collecting a precise pass from Mostafa Zico.
The pressure continued, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty 13 minutes from time to give the visitors the lead.
Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury in the 88th minute and Nasser Maher in stoppage time sealed a convincing win for the visitors.
Finidi George Reflects on Rivers United Defeat
Speaking after the match, Finidi George pointed to a strong opening half but admitted his side failed to maintain control after the interval.
“We controlled the game and we got our goal we didn’t give them room to play in the first half,” Finidi stated in a post-match interview.
“Indecision was our wrongdoing in the game because we made mistakes of wrong footing during tackles as the Egyptians were faster.
“It was difficult for the players to contain them in the second half, we lost to a very good team especially in the second half.”
The result moved the Egyptians to 13 points at the top of Group A, confirming their place in the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League.
The Pride of Rivers remain bottom of the group with just one point and a game to play.