Rivers United defeated DC Motema Pembe 3-1 in a thrilling rescheduled CAF Confederation Cup match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Thursday.
Ghanaian striker, Paul Acquah was the hero, scoring all three goals for the reigning Nigeria League champions against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following triumphs over ASEC Mimosas and Motema Pembe, the Pride of Rivers ensured their impressive form with the third win on the bounce, after a ruthless performance against the Congolese.
The Nigerian side made a promising start to the encounter but couldn't find a breakthrough against the visitors until late in the first half, when Acquah broke the deadlock with a brilliant header off a good pass from Ukeme Williams.
On return from recess, Stanley Eguma's side restarted the contest like a house on fire and wasted no time to find another breakthrough when Acquah doubled their lead through Emmanuel Ampiah's assist in the 55th minute.
The hosts, however were stunned by the Congolese opponents in Uyo when Mydo Yallet pulled one back for the visitors in the 78th minute.
With their lead halved, coach Eguma boosted his attack with teh introduction of Mohammed Shiraz and Augustine Agu as replacement for Malachi Ohawume and Ukeme Williams in the 85th minute.
With Rivers United destined to earn a narrow win, Ghanaian forward Acquah put on display his moment of brilliance in front of goal to complete his hat-trick in the third minute of stoppage time.
The result saw Rivers United reclaim the top spot in Group B with nine points from the four games played so far.
They are followed by ASEC Mimosas are second on the log with seven points while Diables Noir and Motema Pembe and third and fourth respectively with four and two points after also playing four matches.
With two games left, the Nigerian Premier Football League champions will look to guarantee their qualification to the knockout stage when they welcome Congolese side Diables Noir in their fifth round of match.
