The Nigeria Professional Football League 2021-22 season runners-up Plateau United yesterday cruised to the second round of CAF Champions League following a 1-0 win over Gabonese AS Stade Mandji courtesy of Haggai Katoh’s 65th-minute strike.
Nigeria’s representatives thus booked a place in the next round with a 3-2 aggregate win.
After a scoreless first half, Katoh netted the only goal of the game in the 65th minute and handed Plateau United a vital victory.
The visiting side proved a hard nut to crack right from the blast of the whistle and they were able to take the game to Nigeria’s representative.
The away draw and goals secured by Plateau United last weekend in Franceville gave them confidence as they were able to nullify all the attacking threats of the Gabonese team.
Plateau United will now prepare for to face Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive of Tunis with the first leg in Nigeria on the weekend of October 7-9 before the return leg in Tunis a week later.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s league reigning champions, Rivers United also scaled through to the second round despite losing 1-0 in Monrovia against debutants, Watanga FC.
The Pride of Rivers conceded a goal in the first quarter of the game from the penalty spot but they held on to pull through 3-1 on aggregate.
Rivers United will now face defending Champions of the competition, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the next round for a group stage spot
