After Rivers United’s hard fought 1-0 victory over Motema Pembe on matchday three of the CAF Confederation Cup in Luanda, coach Stanley Eguma praised his team’s unwavering attitude.
Rivers United secured maximum points against Motema Pembe despite having their star man, Ebube Duru, sent off in the first half of the enthralling encounter.
Ghanaian Paul Acquah popped up with the winner in the 52nd minute, off a rebound after the Motema Pembe goalkeeper had spill Ngweni Ndasi’s effort.
“We came to Luanda with the mindset to win because we needed these points to make it from the group. Our plans were working well until we got the red card and everything changed again,” Eguma said after the game.
On Ebube Duru’s early bath, Eguma confirmed that it was a situation the team had always been ready against.
“In training sometimes, we practice with one man down in case we have this situation in a match so that we will be able to cope,” Eguma said.
“My players showed character and tactical discipline and that saw us through. I believe they gave their all despite the fact that the game almost sapped them up. That strength and dexterity was what really helped us.”
“We are showing the character in the league as well and I think we are growing with the competitions, I mean both in the league and on the continent. In a matter of time, we will become a perfect team,” he added.
