Rivers United will take a narrow lead to Egypt in the return fixture of their Confederation Cup play-off after edging Al Masry 2-1 in the first leg at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday.

Uche Onwuasoanya’s 25th-minute opener gave Stanley Eguma’s side a lead that lasted exactly two minutes before Mohamed Antar drew the visitors level with a precious away goal.

Rafiu Kayode Isahq restored Rivers United’s lead seven minutes later and despite peppering the visitors’ goal after the interval, Eguma’s team could not find the added insurance of an extra goal.

It leaves Rivers United precariously perched ahead of next week’s return leg with a 1-0 win enough to take the Egyptians through to the group stage of the tournament.