By Kwame Bediako
Ghana FA Cup holders Nations FC begun their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mali’s FC Diarra in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie. The Ghanaian side were unable to secure a positive result away from home despite putting up a disciplined performance for much of the encounter.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Nations FC remained organised defensively, while FC Diarra also kept their shape as the two sides went into the break level at 0-0.
FC Diarra eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through D. Bagayoko, who scored the only goal of the game to give the Malian side a slender advantage. Nations FC responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser but found it difficult to penetrate a disciplined Diarra defence.
The defeat leaves Nations FC needing to overturn the one-goal deficit in the return leg in Ghana. The Ghanaian champions must win by two clear goals to secure automatic progression to the next round, while a 1-0 victory would force the tie into extra time and potentially penalties.
The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, when Nations FC will have home advantage and another opportunity to keep their continental campaign alive. The Ghana FA Cup holders will be hoping for a strong performance in front of their supporters as they seek to complete the comeback against FC Diarra.
