Rivers United suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Pyramids at the weekend in their CAF Champions League Group Stage Matchday Five encounter, further compounding a difficult continental campaign for the Nigerian side.
Reacting after the match, head coach Finidi George admitted his side struggled to cope with the intensity of the game, particularly in the second half.
He explained that although Rivers United enjoyed a strong first-half performance and took the lead, they were overwhelmed after the break by a higher level of play from the Egyptian side.
According to Finidi, the match served as a clear lesson on the standards required to compete consistently at the continental level.
“The first half we did well, we controlled the game, scored our goal, we didn’t give them much. We pressed a little bit higher and forced them to kick the long ball.
“In the second half, the decision making cost us. When we were supposed to tackle, we didn’t do it. They were faster in the player running. We tried to see how we could contain them in the second half but it was difficult for the players.
“This is another level of football where first half you think you have control over the game, second half they came all out and we couldn’t contain them. That’s football. We lost to a very good team where they had control especially in the second half.
“What can I say, it’s very difficult coming here to explain what has happened. I think they were far better in the second half.
“This is another level of football and intensity, so I think that’s why they are the defending champions.
“It’s quite easy to say the game would have gone our way, but if you look at it, I think the second half was quite easy for them. They had the better play and all the chances fell for them.”
Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Rivers United with just one point from five matches in the group, having lost all of their home games so far in the competition.
Also read: Arokodare Ends Premier League Goal Drought
With qualification already out of reach, Rivers United will now aim to salvage some pride when they face RS Berkane in their final group game.
