Rivers United head coach Finidi George has addressed his team’s performance in their CAF Champions League opener. He admitted the squad crumbled in the second half. The 3-0 loss to Pyramids FC came down to moments of sloppiness. The Egyptian champions punished these errors without hesitation.

Rivers United kept a tight defense before halftime. The match, played at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, seemed balanced. The visitors showed enough discipline. They frustrated Pyramids for long periods.

However, their first-half confidence disappeared after the break. Ahmed Atef El Sayed found his rhythm. He scored three times, handing the hosts a comfortable win.

Finidi Blames Avoidable Errors

Finidi acknowledged Pyramids would pose a serious test. Yet, he stressed that the goals were avoidable. “We knew they are a good team,” he stated. “But the goals came from our mistakes, especially in the second half.” He added, “We know we have to play the full match next week.”

He explained that a single lapse in concentration changed the contest’s flow. “The difference between the first and second half was just concentration,” he explained. “That final mistake was the turning point of the match.” Finidi believes the game would have lasted longer without it. “Nobody knows what could have happened,” he added.

Missed Chances and Second Half Collapse

Finidi also regretted missed opportunities. These could have swung momentum in their favour. “One or two chances came our way,” he noted. “But the final pass was not good enough.” He felt the team performed well in the first half, which ended 0-0.

Reflecting on the second half, he said, “Their first goal came from a big mistake from our players. With a team like this, they then got the second and third goals.” At that point, the game was effectively over. “A good first half, but the second half was not,” he concluded. “That was the difference.”

Looking Ahead: Focus on RS Berkane

Looking ahead, the coach stated the squad must quickly reset. They need to focus on their next assignment. “We will have to review that,” he said. “Then we’ll see what our chances are.” He emphasized that each game stands on its own. “This one is gone,” he stated. “We must prepare the players mentally, not just physically, for the next match.”

Atef scored Pyramids’ first goal in the 52nd minute. He struck again just five minutes later. His hat-trick was completed midway through the second half. This result leaves Rivers United bottom of Group B.

The team now returns home to Nigeria. They will face Moroccan champions RS Berkane. The crucial match is scheduled for Friday. It will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. A positive result is vital to keep their Champions League hopes alive.