Visiting Nigerian side, Rivers United, emerged 1-0 victors against Tanzanian giants Yanga SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round encounter played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

Moses Omodumuke scored for United to condemn Timu ya Wananchi to a home loss as they returned to the continental stage for the first time since they were eliminated by Zesco United in 2019.

Rivers United saw their first chance wasted in the fourth minute when Nelson Esor failed to beat Yanga’s goalkeeper Diarra Djigui from close range.

Another chance for the Nigerian side came in the 22nd minute when Eyinnaya Kazie outmanoeuvred the Yanga defenders and created some shooting space inside the box but ended up hitting the side netting

A combination between Omodumuke and Esor almost resulted in the opener but the former could not hit the target when he was set through on goal with a final pass by the day’s captain in the 39th minute.

The visitors, who were dominant especially after the half-time break, found the back of the net in the 51st minute when Omodumuke was clinical enough to beat Yanga’s Djigui after failing to do so on a number of occasions in the first half.

The Nigerian side made a change a minute past the hour mark when Ishaq Kayode replaced Auwalu Ali as they put more pressure on Timu ya Wananchi looking for a second goal.

United’s 75th-minute counter-attack, where they had three players against Yanga’s one, failed to yield a positive result as Esor did not manage to beat the rival goalkeeper once again.

Yanga attacked and in the 84th minute almost registered an equaliser, but Sochima made a great save with his face to deny the home side from close range.

United stood firm in the remaining minutes to ensure they picked up a win and a crucial away goal in the first leg before hosting the Tanzanian giants on September 19..