Rivers United are walking a tight rope in their bid to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after they could only beat Al Masry 2-1 in the first leg of the playoffs played at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba yesterday.
The Pride of Rivers knew only a good first leg performance would enhance their qualification chances and they did go ahead in the game in the 25th minute through Uche Onwuasonaya after a good swift movement, from Malachy Ohawume that caught the Egyptian club goalie napping.
But Al Masry responded almost immediately after a loss of concentration from Rivers United defence which gave the visitors the cutting edge to equalise two minutes after they took the lead.
Former Shooting Stars striker, Ishaq Rafiu Kayode put Rivers United in the ascendancy again in the 34th minute with the assist coming from Malachy Ohawume.
Kayode mesmerized the Al Masry defence with his deft touches and clever football tricks but he and his teammates were unable to get more goals that will make the return leg a formality.
Rivers United have a mountain to climb when they visit Egypt for the return leg tie this weekend knowing that they must score in Cairo if they are to progress to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
