Stade Malien’s manager expressed his joy after his team claimed a solid 2-0 win over South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederation Cup on Wednesday. The result was a vital one for the Malian side as they continued their pursuit of success in the continental tournament.
Playing at home, Stade Malien came out with strong intent, dominating possession from the start. Despite a competitive opening 45 minutes, it was the hosts who struck first in the 38th minute. Adama Keita displayed his skill, evading two defenders before firing a precise shot from outside the box into the top corner, giving Stade Malien the advantage just before halftime.
Stellenbosch FC, aiming to bounce back, showed more urgency after the break, but Stade Malien’s defense stood firm, making it difficult for the South Africans to carve out meaningful chances. Despite a few promising attacks, Stellenbosch couldn’t get past the Malian defense, which remained resolute.
The match was put beyond doubt in the 77th minute when Stade Malien extended their lead. A well-delivered corner from Seydou Cissé found Oumar Sylla, whose header made it 2-0, leaving Stellenbosch with little time to recover.
Following the final whistle, Stade Malien’s manager was thrilled with the performance. “I’m very pleased with how the team played tonight,” he said. “We showed great discipline and commitment. The players followed the plan perfectly, and this win gives us confidence as we look to push forward in the competition.”
Stellenbosch’s coach, Steve Barker, acknowledged the challenge of facing a tough opponent. “It’s a disappointing result for us, but we knew we were up against a strong team,” he said. “We’ll regroup, analyze the game, and look forward to the next match. We’re still in a good position, and we’ll focus on our upcoming fixtures.”
The win gives Stade Malien a strong boost in the group stages, while Stellenbosch FC will need to bounce back and focus on their remaining matches in the CAF Confederation Cup.
