Stellenbosch FC started their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Stade Malien on Wednesday evening.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Stade Malien Bamako 2-0 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 27 November 2024
Venue: Stade du 26 Mars
The South African outfit were without the services of central defender Ismail Toure, who was serving a suspension after he was sent off against AS Vita in the previous round.
Bamako had no previous experience against South African opposition, while the western Cape outfit were making their first appearance at this stage of the competition.
It was the home side who took the lead on 15 minutes when Haman Mandjan unleashed a strike that took a huge deflection off Athenkosi Mcaba and sailed over goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Steve Barker's side, meanwhile, struggled to get any consistent attacks going on the first half, with the home side holding onto the ball quite well for most of the first half and restricting their opposition.
Stellies responded with a triple change at the start of the second half, as Ashley Cupido, Andre de Jong and Langelihle Phili were introduced in place of Genino Palace, Ibrahim Jabaar and Kyle Jurgens.
The visitors did see more of the ball in the second period as they went in search of the equaliser, with full-back Omega Mdaka going close with a free-kick from distance was saved by the Bamako goalkeeper.
Stellenbosch ,however, would get no joy in the final third for the remainder of the second half as Bamako thwarted any attack in the final third, bfeore they won a penalty in time added on for Devin Titus' foul on Diaby.
Daouda Coulibaly and duly converted the spot-kick to seal maximum points in the opening game of their group campaign.
Barker's charges will be back in domestic action on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Orlando Stadium to face the high-flying Orlando Pirates.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Moloisane, Mcaba, Mdaka, Jurgens, Nduli, Jabaar, Adams, Palace, Barns, Titus
Subs: Masuluke, Langeveldt, De Kock, Butsaka, De Jong, Phili, Cupido
