CAF CONFEDERATIONS CUP: Djoliba shock MFM in Lagos

MFM FC failed to capitalize on home ground and support to lose 0-1 to Djoliba AC of Mali in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying round at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Sunday.

Moussa Sissoko’s 72nd minute strike handed the Olukoya Boys their first home loss this season. MFM dominated possession in the first half, but it was the Malians that created more clear cut chances with Goalkeeper Ospino Egbe making brilliant saves to keep the score line respectable.

Chijioke Akuneto had the opportunity to put the home side in front in the first minute of the game but his effort went side net.

Five minutes later, Djoliba’s Mohammed Cisse found himself in a better position but his shot from the edge of the box also went wide.

Goalkeeper Adama Traore prevented the home side from scoring in the 10th minute by saving Akuneto’s free kick after a foul on Tchato Giscard.

The home fans had their heart in their mouth in the 23rd minute when Djoliba’s Siaka Bagayoko, beat an offside trap to dribble GoalKeeper Egbe easily, but his shot at goal was deflected to a corner by Opara Austin’s.

Ospina was also called into action in the 34th minute as he denied Bagayoko once again. The Malian found himself in a good  position before latching unto the ball but Egbe was quick to pull a save to keep the game 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw the home side desperate for the opening goal but were unable to convert the begging chances. Mohamodou Cisse however punished the home side for their wastefulness and capitalized on defensive lapses by tapping in from a close range in the 78th minute.

MFM now have an uphill task of beating the Malians in the second leg to be played between April 17,18 and 19 to stand a chance of advancing to the group stage of the annual competition.