CAF Champions League: Defending champions Pyramids FC come back in Nigeria to win Group A

Egyptian club Pyramids FC showed their class on Sunday in the CAF Champions League by coming back to defeat hosts Rivers United 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.

Perfect finish from Mostafa Fathi. 🎯#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/rUtk7jMmwg

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 8, 2026

Marwan Hamdi’s 77th minute penalty kick confirmed victory for the reigning African club champions. Mostafa Fathi’s goal early in the second half cancelled out an explosive strike from Rivers captain Stephen Manyo shortly after the half hour mark.

All but eliminated from contention to reach the quarterfinals, Rivers United played with freedom and held their own against the heavy favorites from Cairo.

Difficulties with finishing resigned the Port Harcourt club to elimination at the group stage but captain Manyo provided a moment for the supporters when he belted the ball through goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad following a set piece.

Stephen Manyo! 💥💥💥

The Rivers United 🇳🇬 captain gives his team a shock lead against reigning African club champions #Pyramids in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #CAFCL #RiversUnited #ملوك_الكرة pic.twitter.com/7xaIV1Ubor

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) February 8, 2026

But after showing quite a bit of caution in the early stages, conceding only inspired the visitors to increase their efforts. A dominant second half saw the big spenders level through Fathi’s effort in the 52nd minute before a handball in the Rivers penalty area led to Hamdi’s spot kick.

Late on, substitute Mahmoud Zalaka made an instant impact, sealing the result with emphasis with a scorching shot that rocketed past Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya into the roof of the net. Newly-signed former Zamalek player Nasser Maher added one more in stoppage time to complete a lopsided victory.

Both teams have little to play for next weekend when they finish Group A play. Pyramids will host Zambia’s Power Dynamos while Rivers travel to clash with RS Berkane in Morocco. Their opponents, in contrast, have everything to play for with second place and the final slot in the quarterfinals up for grabs between Dynamos and RS Berkane.

CAF Champions League: Group A Table