USM Alger head coach Juan Carlos Garrido Fernandez has claimed that Ramadan fasting and the weather conditions contributed greatly to his side’s 1-0 defeat to Rivers United in their CAF Confederation Cup first leg quarter-final clash on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Rivers United head coach Austin Eguma was left fuming at his side’s inability to add to the one goal against the Algerians.
Augustine Okejepha struck in the 10th minute at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to give the Nigerian representatives the slender advantage over the holders ahead of the return leg in Algiers in five days’ time.
The majority of USM Alger players are Muslims who fast from dusk to dawn during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and the match kicked off at 2pm when the tropical heat and humidity are at their peak in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in Southern Nigeria.
“We came here with the intention of getting a win, but the conditions were difficult,” Fernandes told reporters.
“Playing at 40 degrees and my players observing Ramadan was a challenge. We tried to hold our ground and I think we came close to getting a draw.
“We will go back home and prepare hard for the second leg. We are the defending champions and we are determined to retain the trophy.”
Rivers United had several opportunities to widen their lead and take a healthier advantage to Algiers but they missed them all, leaving Eguma unhappy.
“We created a lot of chances and I am not happy that we converted only one,” the veteran Eguma noted.
“Our team had the big opportunity to get a big win in this match. Nevertheless, we will continue to work very hard and focus on the prize.
“Last year, we lost our first leg 0-2 and despite a good game in the return leg, we were out. Now, we have an advantage, no matter how slim.”
