DailySun
Stellenbosch faced a 2-0 defeat against Stade Malien Bamako in their first CAF Confederation Cup Group B match at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on Wednesday.
The opening goal for the home team was scored by Haman Mandjan in the 15th minute. Malien finished as the runners-up in last season’s Premier League in Mali.
Daouda Coulibaly added the second goal, converting a penalty in injury time after Devin Titus was brought down.
Coach Steve Barker made several changes to the Stellies lineup that previously drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership earlier this month.
Titus spearheaded the attack alongside Sanele Barns and Jabaar, while Ashley Cupido and Andre De Jong began the game on the substitutes’ bench.
The first 10 minutes saw both teams evenly matched, creating opportunities but failing to score.
Malien broke through in the 15th minute with Mandjan’s goal, taking advantage of a defensive error from Stellies. Despite several chances, Stellies couldn’t find the net, and the first half concluded with Stade Malien leading 1-0.
In the second half, Coach Barker made three substitutions before the game resumed, bringing on De Jong, Langelihle Phili, and Ashley Cupido for Ibrahem Jabaar, Kyle Jurgens, and Genito Palace. Stellies earned a free kick in the 55th minute after a foul on midfielder Titus.
Omega Mdaka took the free kick, but Malien’s goalkeeper N’Golo Traore easily saved the attempt. Shortly after, Malien missed a clear chance to score. In the 68th minute, Jayden Adams nearly scored a stunning goal, but his header went off target.
Stellies continued to press, with Phili shooting after a fine setup by De Jong, but Traore made another crucial save.
However, a defensive lapse by Stellies in added time resulted in a penalty awarded by referee Mehrez Melki from Tunisia, which Coulibaly successfully converted, leaving goalkeeper Sage Stephens helpless and closing the match at 2-0.
