Rivers United, Nigeria’s only representative in the CAF Champions League this season, endured a disappointing start to their group-stage campaign, falling 3–0 to defending champions Pyramids FC in Cairo.
The match was tight in the first half, with Rivers United defending resolutely and keeping the hosts at bay. But after the break, Pyramids took control, and Ahmed Atef El Sayed delivered a devastating second-half display.
Atef opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a composed finish, before doubling his tally in the 57th with a powerful header. He completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute with a calm strike that sealed the win for Pyramids.
Rivers United coach Finidi George admitted after the game that his side’s finishing was poor and defensive lapses proved costly. He praised his players for their first-half discipline but lamented the momentum shift after the first goal. Next up, Rivers United are back home in Uyo, where they will face RS Berkane in their second group match.
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Editorial
In continental football, nothing tests a team’s character quite like a first loss under high expectations. For Rivers United, this 3–0 reverse to Pyramids is more than a disappointing scoreline it is an early but important reality check.
Their first-half performance showed grit. Rivers defended deep, resisted pressure, and kept Pyramids at arm’s length. But football is cruel in its second-half demands: when momentum shifts, the margin for error disappears.
Enter Ahmed Atef El Sayed, whose hat-trick was masterful. He did not need to be flashy his goals were clinical, textbook, and merciless. Two 5-minute strikes may have broken Rivers’ spirit, but his final goal was the coup de grâce — smart, composed, and totally deserved.
What hurts most for Rivers is not just the loss, but how they lost. Fundamental errors crept in. Finidi’s admission that a defensive mistake sparked the collapse is telling the fine margins for success in the CAF Champions League are unforgiving.
However, this is not a death sentence. The group is still early. Rivers United can still recover. But to do so, they must face their weaknesses now, learn fast, and bring every ounce of their ambition to the next match. Because in Africa’s elite competition, the window for redemption is wide … but it doesn’t stay open long.
Did You Know?
- Ahmed Atef El Sayed, who scored the hat-trick, is just 22 years old making his performance even more impressive given the stage.
- Rivers United held Pyramids scoreless in the first half, showing strong defensive organisation before collapsing after halftime.
- Rivers United coach Finidi George blamed the defeat on wasted opportunities and a costly defensive mistake that gave Pyramids the momentum.
- The match took place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, a familiar fortress for Egyptian clubs in continental competition.
- Rivers United’s next CAF Champions League match will be at home against RS Berkane of Morocco, giving them a chance to bounce back.
