CAFCL: Rivers United Blow Big First Leg Lead Vs Al-Merrikh, Crash Out

By James Agberebi:

Rivers United have crashed out of the 2017 CAF Champions League after losing 4-0 against Al-Merreikh of Sudan in their second leg, first round clash on Saturday to lose out 4-3 on aggregate, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Bakri Al Madina bagged a hat-trick in the win, one of his goal a penalty. 

Rivers United looked to have wrapped up the tie following their 3-0 first leg win last weekend in Port-Harcourt.

But the Stanley Eguma-led team had their three-goal lead wiped out by Al-Merrikh to make it 3-3 on aggregate in the first half.

Despite conceding three goals in the first half, Rivers United were still in the tie as all they needed was an away goal to take the initiative.

But it was Al-Merrikh who got on the score sheet again as they added another goal in the second half to secure a remarkable 4-0 win.

Rivers United now drop to the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round, while Al-Merrikh advance into the Champions League group stage.

Nigeria's only hope in the Champions League now lies in Enugu Rangers who must over turn a 4-1 first leg defeat against Zamalek in Sunday's return fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.