Ghana FA Cup champions Nations FC began their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat by Malian side FC Diarra in the first leg of the preliminary round.
The match, played at the Stade Mamadou Konaté on Saturday, September 5, remained goalless at half-time, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in a closely contested encounter.
FC Diarra eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute to take a slender advantage into the second leg.
Nations FC responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser and committing more players to attack, but the hosts defended resolutely to preserve their lead.
The result leaves Nations FC needing a victory in the return fixture to keep their hopes of reaching the second preliminary round alive.
The second leg will be played in Ghana on Sunday, September 13, with Nations FC seeking to overturn the deficit in what is their debut appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup.
