Ten-man Rivers beat Motema in Kinshasa, Asec keep chase

• Rivers United beat DC Motema Pembe 1-0 in Kinshasa
• They played the entire second half with 10 men
• Asec also won to remain second in Group D

Nigeria’s Rivers United kept their hopes of qualifying to the quarter finals of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time ever after stunning DR Congo’s DC Motema Pembe 1-0 in Kinshasa, despite playing for half of the game with 10 men.

Paul Acquah, formerly with Kenya’s Wazito FC scored the winning goal for the Nigerians in the second half to push them top of Group B with six points after back to back victories.

The Ghanaian converted in the 52^nd minute of the match on the second bite of the cherry after his initial header was blocked by the keeper.

The Nigerian side had to play the entire second half with 10 men after Gideon Duru was sent off in the 42^nd minute for a second yellow card, for simulation. But, they showed heart to clinch three points and move top of Group B with six points.

Despite going down to 10 men, Rivers had started the second half strongly and just before his goal, Acquah had a dipping effort from the right come against the crossbar.

After conceding, Motema almost immediately sounded a response with Rachidi Musinga’s curling effort from the edge of the area going just wide while Bongonga Bwanga had an effort on the volley roll inches wide minutes later.

Motema pressured Rivers to try get the equalizer, but the Nigerian visitors defended well.

Asec win at home to move second 

Asec Mimosas celebrate their win. PHOTO/Asec

Meanwhile, Ivorian side Asec Mimosas picked their first victory in the group. They were  2-0 winners at home against Diables Noirs of Congo to go second of Group B with four points.

Asec came into the match from last weekend’s heavy 3-0 loss away to Nigeria’s Rivers United, and needed a huge response to get their campaign back on track. The first half was cagy and chances weren’t many for either side.

The game however opened up in the second half when Karamoko Sankara finished off Kouassi Attohoula Yao’s assist to break the deadlock after 65 minutes. It was a relieving goal for the home side who had started the second half on the front foot.

Sankara had scored just 13 minutes after he had come on for Gahe Didier. Ten minutes later, he turned from scorer to provider when he laid off the assist for Kramo Aubin to net the second and put the game to bed for the home side.

Diables didn’t have a response as they failed to mount a comeback. They remain on four points off a win and a draw and second in the group.

For the next round of matches, each of the two sides face off again, this time Rivers hosting Motema in Nigeria while Diables will be at home, seeking revenge against Asec.