CAFCL: Rivers United Face Tough Road After Heavy Defeat To Champions Pyramids FC

CAFCL: Rivers United Face Tough Road After Heavy Defeat To Champions Pyramids FC

By Niyi Busari 

Rivers United suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat on Saturday as defending champions Pyramids FC produced a dominant second-half display, driven by a superb hat-trick from Egyptian striker Ahmed Atef El Sayed, in their CAF Champions League group-stage encounter, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Pride of Rivers showed commendable discipline in the opening half, maintaining their defensive shape and limiting the champions’ attacking opportunities. Both sides battled fiercely in midfield, and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

But Pyramids returned from the interval with renewed energy and incisiveness. The hosts ramped up the pressure immediately, forcing Rivers United onto the back foot.

The breakthrough arrived in the 52nd minute when Atef capitalised on a defensive lapse, stabbing home from close range. Five minutes later, the forward doubled the advantage with a superb header into the top corner after latching onto an inch-perfect delivery from Karim Hafez.

The quick-fire goals rattled Rivers United, who struggled to regain rhythm as Pyramids seized full control of the contest.

The champions struck again in the 72nd minute. Mohamed Reda split the Nigerian defence with a precise pass, and Atef completed his hat-trick with a calm right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner.

From then on, Pyramids dictated possession and tempo, closing out the match with authority while denying Rivers United any meaningful route back into the game.

The defeat represents a setback for Rivers United, who now face added pressure to respond in their remaining group fixtures. Despite the loss, the Nigerian side remains in contention for progression and will look to regroup quickly.

For Pyramids FC, the emphatic win reinforces their status as strong favourites to defend their continental crown, extending their impressive Champions League form.