Sekhukhune United's chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup were dented after a narrow 1-0 loss to Stade Malien Bamako on Wednesday evening.
Sekhukhune were boosted by the return of Nyiko Mobbie, Chibuike Ohizu, Tresor Yamba, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Thamsanqa Masiya, as five changes from a narrow defeat against AmaZulu.
Stade Malien were all over Sekhukhune from the first whistle as Mamadou Traoré almost gave them the lead within the first two minutes but was denied by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner from close-range.
The hosts continue to threaten, particularly on set-pieces but Ohizu had Babina Noko's first chance on 22 minutes with a strike from outside the box that was saved by goalkeeper N'Golo Traoré.
Stade Malien regained their momentum after that, as they troubled Leaner with shots but the pressure waned towards the end of the first stanza and Sekhukhune survived, as the first stanza ended goalless.
Lehlohonolo Seema's charges, however, started the second stanza brightly and Siphesihle Mkhize came close to breaking the deadlock on the hour-mark with a strike that was saved by Traore.
However, the Malian side eventually broke the deadlock two minutes later through Franck Tiesse with a shot in the box against the run of play.
Seema reacted with a tactical and attacking change, as Tashreeq Morris replaced Masiya and with 13 minutes remaining, Jamie Webber came on for Mokotjo in another attacking change.
Sekhukhune pressurized Stade Malien in the dying minutes and Ohizu almost snatched the equaliser four minutes before time with a header that missed narrowly wide.
The Bamako-based side eventually prevailed and moved three points clear of third-placed Babina Noko in second place in Group D, three points behind leaders RSB Berkane.
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