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By Abiodun Adewale.
Ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup second leg quarter-final match against Young Africans in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Rivers United duo, Ebube Duru and Joseph Onoja are in a late fitness race for the game, The PUNCH reports.
Left-back, Duru, as well as Williams Ukeme, were substituted during the first leg encounter last Sunday in Uyo after picking up knocks, while Onoja, who was recovering from an injury was not listed for the game.
The Nigeria Professional Football League champions also missed the services of their highest goal scorer, Paul Acquah while Morrice Chukwu was suspended for the game.
Onoja however returned to training after the game and has been eager to resume full actions for the club.
However, coach Stanley Eguma told our correspondent that the involvement of both players as well as others is subject to the assessment of the medical team.
“The few that are injured, we are looking at one or two to be ready before Sunday. The medical team is working to ensure they are able to bring back one or two players to return. Duru had his injury on match-day while Onoja is also in line to be fit,” Eguma told The PUNCH.
After losing the first leg 2-0 in Uyo, Rivers United must beat their hosts by at least two goals without conceding to stand a chance of progressing to the semi-final.
“We are looking up to turning the result around and it’s on us to work and see that we achieve that,” Eguma said.
Rivers United are expected to arrive in Tanzania on Friday (today) after departing via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Thursday.
The crucial return leg is slated for the 60,000 capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, located in Miburani ward of Temeke District in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
