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By Abiodun Adewale
Defender Ebube Duru saw his penalty saved as Nigeria Professional Football League champions Rivers United began their 2023 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a humbling 3-0 defeat away at Diables Noirs in Congo Brazzaville on Sunday.
The NPFL side conceded all the goals inside seven minutes, leaving them bottom of the group after the opening game.
Carl Wunda set the tone of the thrashing with the first goal after 30 minutes, while Jaures Ngombe made it two a couple of minutes later.
Domi Massoumou rounded up scoring for the hosts 10 minutes before the break.
Duru then had a chance for a consolation goal for the Pride of Rivers in the second half but he saw his effort from 12 yards saved by the goalkeeper.
The hosts took an early advantage in the group, after the other group game between ASEC Mimosas and Motema Pembe ended goalless in Abidjan.
Rivers will next host ASEC Mimosas in their next game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.