Stellenbosch faced a 2-0 defeat against Stade Malien Bamako in their first CAF Confederation Cup Group Ba match at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on Wednesday.
Haman Mandjan netted the opening goal for the home team in the 15th minute, with Malien finishing as the runners-up in Mali’s Premier League last season.
The second goal was scored by Daouda Coulibaly, who successfully converted a penalty during the referee’s stoppage time after Devin Titus was fouled.
Coach Steve Barker made several changes to the Stellies lineup that previously drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy earlier this month in the Betway Premiership.
Titus spearheaded the attack along with Sanele Barns and Jabaar, while Ashley Cupido and Andre De Jong started the game on the bench.
In the opening 10 minutes, both teams were evenly matched, creating opportunities but failing to convert.
Malien shifted the momentum in the 15th minute with Mandjan’s goal, capitalizing on a defensive error from Stellies. Despite several opportunities thereafter, Stellies could not find the back of the net, ending the first half with Malien leading 1-0.
In the second half, Coach Barker made three substitutions before the restart, 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 had a clear chance but couldn’t convert. In the 68th minute, Jayden Adams came close to scoring a stunning goal, but his header went off target.
Stellies continued to apply pressure, with Phili getting a shot away after a fantastic setup from De Jong, only to have it saved by Traore.
Unfortunately, a defensive lapse by Stellies in stoppage time led to a penalty, awarded by referee Mehrez Melki from Tunisia, which Coulibaly converted, outsmarting goalkeeper Sage Stephens and sealing a 2-0 victory.
