Ivorian side San Pedro FC have intensified preparations for their decisive CAF Champions League preliminary-round second leg against Nigerian champions Rivers United.
San Pedro held a training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday as they familiarised themselves with the venue ahead of Sunday’s crucial encounter.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture. CAF also confirmed the first-leg result among the preliminary-round ties still open ahead of the deciding matches.
San Pedro took the lead through Issouf Dosso after the interval, but Rivers United responded through substitute Iyowuna Douglas, who restored parity in the 69th minute.
The result gives Rivers United a strong platform going into the second leg, with the Nigerian side enjoying home advantage in Uyo.
Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has expressed confidence that his team can complete the job on home soil after achieving their objective of avoiding defeat in the first leg.
However, San Pedro remain firmly in contention. The Ivorian club will need to produce a disciplined performance and find a way to score in Uyo if they are to eliminate Rivers United and continue their continental campaign.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at 4:00 p.m. WAT at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
With the aggregate score standing at 1-1, the winner of the second leg will advance to the next round of the CAF Champions League, making the encounter a must-win contest for both sides.
