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 put the hosts ahead with the opening goal in the 15th minute, following Malien’s strong performance as last season’s Premier League runners-up in Mali.

The second goal came from Daouda Coulibaly, who successfully converted a penalty awarded in added time after Devin Titus was fouled.

Coach Steve Barker made numerous changes to the Stellies lineup that previously drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy earlier this month in the Betway Premiership.

Titus spearheaded the attack alongside Sanele Barns and Jabaar, while Ashley Cupido and Andre De Jong started the match on the bench.

In the opening ten minutes, both teams were tightly matched, creating opportunities yet failing to convert them.

Malien took the lead in the 15th minute with Mandjan’s goal, capitalizing on a defensive error by Stellies. Despite several opportunities, Stellies could not find the back of the net, ending the first half with Stade Malien up 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 following a foul on midfielder Titus.

Omega Mdaka took the free kick, but N’Golo Traore, Malien’s goalkeeper, easily saved the attempt. Soon after, Malien missed a clear chance to score as well. In the 68th minute, Jayden Adams nearly scored with a stunning header, but it went wide.

Stellies continued to press, with Phili taking a shot after an excellent setup by De Jong, but Traore was there to make the save.

Ultimately, a defensive lapse by Stellies during added time led to a penalty awarded by referee Mehrez Melki from Tunisia, which Coulibaly converted, outsmarting goalkeeper Sage Stephens and finalizing the match at 2-0.