Nigerian representatives Rivers United and Plateau United zoomed into the first round of 2022 CAF Champions League despite enduring mixed fortunes in their second leg, preliminary stage encounters on Sunday.
Contrasting fortunes saw Rivers United suffered a 1-0 defeat against Liberian side Watanga in Monrovia at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, while Plateau United clinched a 1-0 win over AS Stade Mandji in Abuja.
Farsedu Logan's 16th minute strike from the spot for the Liberian champions condemned their the Pride of Rivers to a second leg defeat in Paynesville but the Nigerian champions who won 3-0 in the first leg at home, progressed from the preliminary round thanks to a 3-1 triumph on aggregate.
Following their progression, the Port Harcourt club will now face defending champions Wydad Casablanca in the second qualifying round, with the winner of the tie, progressing to the group stage.
Plateau United, on their part, consolidated on their morale-boosting 2-2 draw in the first leg in Gabon as they went on to defeat visiting coasting past Gabonese champions AS Stade Mandji 1-0 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
A 63rd minute header from Haggai Katoh in the second half saw the Peace Boys subdue their Gabonese foes and earn a spot in the first round of the continent's elite club competition after 3-2 result on aggregate.
With a place secured in the first qualifying round, the Jos based club would face Tunisian giants and four-time Champions League winners Esperance du Tunis. The winner of the second qualifying round is guaranteed a place in the group stage of 2022/23 competition.
