Diables Noirs scored three first half goals to beat Nigeria’s Rivers United 3-0 to assume leadership of Group B. Asec Mimosas and DR Congo’s DC Motema Pembe played out to a barren draw in the other Group B match played at the same time.
In Brazzaville, the home side was keen to make a statement from the word go, and they did so with military precision in a full blown first half performance. Three goals in seven minutes was all they needed to wrap up maximum points.
They broke the deadlock on the half hour mark through Carl Wunda who tapped in from close range, before Jaures Maudsly Ngombe doubled their advantage just two minutes later with a low shot with the keeper off his line.
With eight minutes left to the break, they wrapped up their convincing victory through 19-year old forward Domi Jaures Massoumou.
In the second half, the Nigerians upped their tempo and just 10 minutes in, they had a chance to draw one back and change the trajectory of the game after Ukeme Williams was brought down inside the box by Josie Mwimba.
However, Gideon Duru saw his penalty comfortably saved by Dhody Foutou. None of their efforts then on could bear any fruits as Diables ensured they kept their guard tight to bank maximum points.
By Brian Mboh