Paul Aquah’s hattrick helped Rivers United to a 3-1 victory over DC Morena Pembe in the CAF Confederations Cup at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The game had been postponed from Wednesday, March 8 due to the late arrival of the DR Congolese side and the Pride of Rivers were too much for their visitors on Thursday afternoon with Paul Aquah in scintillating form.
The Ghanaian forward opened the scoring just as the first half was ending after being set up by Ukeme Williams.
He then made it 2-0 when he sliced home from Ampiah Emmanuel’s cross in the 56th minute.
The home side then rang changes with Joseph Onoja and Lawrence Agbor making way for Chiamaka Madu and Temple Emekayi four minutes after the hour mark.
Mydo Nakouho Yallet pulled one back for the visitors in the 78th minute in a bid to spark a comeback at the Nest of Champions.
With four minutes remaining on the clock, the hosts brought on Agu Agustine and Mohammed Shiraz for Ukeme Williams and Malachi Ohawume to maintain their grip on the game.
The triumph was sealed as Paul Aquah scored his third of the game – his fourth in his last two matches on the continent – to ensure Rivers United got their straight win in the CAF Confederations Cup.
They now sit top of Group B with 9 points with just two games left.
The visitors have their work cut out now as they have accrued just two points from their four games which puts them bottom of the Group B log.