Rivers United recorded a vital win over Bloemfontein Celtic in the first-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Wednesday.

Rivers United were denied an early goal when the Bloem Celtic goalkeeper produced a fine save to stop Fortune Omoniwari’s long drive.

The Nigerian side mounted more pressure on their hosts and Godwin Aguda also went close to breaking the deadlock but shot wide from 20 yards after a fantastic link up with Ifeanyi Anaemena.

A goalless first half gave way to a more exciting second for the visitors as Aguda breached the Bloem Celtic goal in the 71st minute.

In the 79th minute Omoniwari doubled the tally for Rivers United and sealed victory for Stanley Eguma’s men.

Rivers United held on for the vital win and need to avoid defeat by a three-goal margin at home, in the second leg, to seal passage into the group phase of the competition.

The return leg is scheduled for January 2021 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.