Rivers United continued their preparations for the upcoming NPFL campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Heartland FC on a thrilling Saturday showdown.
This win was orchestrated by their new sensation, Yao Kouassi Bernard, who grabbed a goal and assist to secure the triumph.
The Pride of Rivers pulled a dramatic comeback in a high-octane club friendly clash held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats.
Heartland FC caught their hosts off guard with the opening goal, capitalizing on United’s defenders’ inability to clear a free-kick from their 18-yard box.
Despite dominating the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities, and relentlessly firing shots throughout the encounter, the visitors’ first-half strike seemed poised to decide the outcome.
However, the tide turned in favor of the Port Harcourt outfit.
The second half saw the introduction of Yao Bernard as a substitute, and he quickly became the catalyst for Stanley Eguma side’s resurgence.
Just six minutes into the second half, a breathtaking diving header from Alex Oyowah met Bernard’s perfectly placed cross inside the box, leveling the score for the Pride of Rivers.
And the drama continued from there. As the match approached its thrilling conclusion, Yao Bernard seized the moment, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Kazie Enyinnaya hand the former NPFL champions the lead.
His goal proved to be the winner after the final whistle as Rivers United sealed a well-deserved comeback victory.
