Rivers United came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw away to San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Saturday.
The Nigerian side, known as the Pride of Rivers, will take the result into next Sunday’s second leg, which will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Both teams threatened during an open first half, creating several chances without managing to break the deadlock. The hosts and their visitors were unable to apply the finishing touch before the interval, leaving the contest goalless at half-time.
San Pedro eventually made their pressure count 11 minutes after the restart. Issouf Dosso capitalised on an opening in the Rivers United defence to put the home side in front.
Rivers United responded positively and levelled in the 69th minute through substitute Iyowuna Douglas. The forward displayed composure inside the penalty area before calmly converting to bring Finidi George’s team back into the match.
The visitors then defended resolutely during the closing stages to secure a draw that leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.
The winner of next Sunday’s match in Uyo will progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League. Rivers United will be seeking to complete the job on home territory after recovering from their second-half setback in Cote d’Ivoire.
The draw also gives Finidi George’s side a potentially important result before the decisive meeting, although San Pedro remain capable of advancing after scoring first in the opening leg.
Rivers United were one of two Nigerian teams involved in the first preliminary round of this season’s competition. Nigeria’s other representatives, Rangers International, are due to face Sobemap FC of Benin Republic on Sunday.
That match will be played at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with Rangers International aiming to give Nigeria another positive result in the CAF Champions League.
For Rivers United, the immediate focus will now turn to preparing for San Pedro’s visit to Uyo. After conceding early in the second half, the home side’s reaction secured parity and ensured the tie will be decided in the second leg rather than by the result in San Pedro.
The Nigerian club’s ability to hold firm after Douglas’s equaliser means they return home with the contest level at 1-1 and with qualification still within their reach.