Plateau United, Rivers walk tight rope, as Kwara United recover to hit RSB Berkane 3-1

Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF inter-club championships, yesterday, made hard work of their games against North African opposition. But in the end, they scratched to wins that do not feel so encouraging going by the pedigree of their opponents.

Of the three teams in action, yesterday, only Kwara United have a result against RSB Berkane (3-1) that, if they get their acts together in Morocco, can see them through to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Playing in the CAF Champions League at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Plateau United were tipped to give a commanding performance that will make the second leg of the tie against Esperance Sportif in Tunis a less arduous task.

They fought hard, played well, but failed to utilise their chances to end the game 2-1 winners.

That they came from behind to subdue the Tunisians showed that they have the ingredients to make for a good second leg. But followers of African football know that if you don’t kill North African when you have the chance in your home, you may survive the heat in their lair.

Rivers United had everything going for them in their match against Wydad of Morocco at the Adokie Aimiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. But like Plateau United, they lacked the killer instinct to make their efforts more telling.

They also came from behind to beat Wydad 2-1.

Both teams need a draw to progress to the second round, but they face elimination in the away goal rule if they lose by 0-1 away.

If they lose by 1-2, the match will drag to extra time, after which it would be decided by penalties. However, any loss by one goal that is more than 2-1 will earn them victories on the away goals rule.

Kwara United are on better footing as their 3-1 defeat of RSB Berkane of Morocco has given them a clear advantage going into the second leg.

The Afonja Warriors, like their other compatriots, came from a first-half 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 at the end of proceedings.

Cheick Quattara gave the North Africans the lead in the seventh minute when he nodded in a perfect cross to silence the crowd at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

RSB Berkane held the lead through the first half.

On resumption, Kwara United took the fight to the Moroccans with Wasiu Jimoh and Hamza Hamiani leading the comeback.