Nigerian side Rivers United ended their CAF Champions League campaign on a disappointing note after a 3–0 defeat to Moroccan outfit RS Berkane in their final Group A match on Saturday. The loss confirmed a tough group stage for Rivers United, who finished bottom of their section with just one point from six games. Meanwhile, Berkane secured a quarter final spot with the victory.
The Moroccan side took control before halftime, with Youssef Mehri breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute. Paul Valere Bassene then doubled the lead just before the break and added a second early in the second half to complete his brace and seal the 3–0 win.
Rivers United struggled to create clear scoring opportunities and were unable to break through Berkane’s organized defence throughout the game, leaving the Nigerian club with a disappointing end to their African campaign.
Editorial
This result highlights the widening gap between Nigerian club sides and their North African counterparts in continental competition. Despite entering the tournament with hope, Rivers United were unable to convert moments into goals or sustain pressure against Berkane. Consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive, with the Moroccan side demonstrating greater cohesion and attacking threat.
Rivers United’s struggle underscores ongoing structural challenges facing Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions. From limited preparation to squad depth and game management, there are clear lessons to be learned for future campaigns. For fans of the Pride of Rivers, the hope now shifts to rebuilding a competitive side capable of challenging North African dominance on the continent.
On the other hand, RS Berkane’s performance reflects their growing stature in African club football. Securing a place in the quarter-finals speaks to the club’s tactical maturity and ability to perform under pressure, setting up a potentially deep run in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
Did You Know?
- RS Berkane finished second in Group A with 10 points and qualified for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
- The goals in the 3–0 win were scored by Youssef Mehri and Paul Valere Bassene, with Bassene netting twice.
- Rivers United ended the group stage with just one point from six matches.
- Rivers United’s CAFCL campaign included several heavy defeats, highlighting inconsistency in performance.
- The CAF Champions League group stage runs from November to February before the knockout rounds begin.
