Shooting Stars opened their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over CS Sfaxien on Saturday. Emmanuel Lucky scored the only goal at the MKO Abiola Arena in Abeokuta, Bold Sports reports.
The victory marked Shooting Stars’ return to continental football after 27 years. Lucky also delivered the key moment for the Oluyole Warriors. He converted a well-created chance to give Salisu Yusuf’s side the advantage.
Shooting Stars started the game with attacking intent. Issa Yusuf tested the CS Sfaxien goalkeeper from distance. The effort forced a save and earned a corner.
The breakthrough came shortly after the midway point. Desmond Ojietefian created the opening with a clever move. Lucky reacted quickly and finished the chance.
His goal gave Shooting Stars a 1-0 lead. The Nigerian side then pushed for a second before halftime.
The Tunisian visitors returned with more urgency after the break. They pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Shooting Stars spent long periods defending their narrow advantage. Mustapha Lawal then became important for the home side.
The goalkeeper made crucial saves to deny CS Sfaxien. His performance helped Shooting Stars maintain their lead.
The Oluyole Warriors still created chances late in the match. However, they could not add another goal.
Shooting stars remained organised until the final whistle. They secured a valuable clean-sheet victory on their continental return.
The result gives Shooting Stars a slender advantage before the return fixture. The second leg will take place in Sfax, Tunisia, next Sunday, September 13.
CS Sfaxien will have home support behind them. The Tunisian club must now overturn a one-goal deficit.
For Shooting Stars, the challenge is to protect their advantage away from home. A disciplined display could send the Nigerian club into the next round.
The 1-0 result also gives the Oluyole Warriors confidence. Their first continental appearance in 27 years has started with victory.
Shooting Stars will now turn their attention to completing the job in Tunisia.
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