Shooting Stars edge CS Sfaxien in first continental outing since 1999

Shooting Stars began their return to continental competition with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie.

The Ibadan club secured the win at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Saturday, marking their first appearance in continental football since 1999.

Shooting Stars started the match on the front foot, controlling the early stages and forcing CS Sfaxien to retreat deep into their own half. Their sustained pressure created a number of difficult moments for the visitors before the hosts eventually found the breakthrough.

Lucky Emmanuel scored in the 26th minute to give Shooting Stars the lead and reward their positive start to the contest.

The goal provided the home side with a deserved advantage, but CS Sfaxien responded with a stronger display after half-time. The Tunisian team increased the pressure as they searched for an equaliser and tested the Shooting Stars defence for long periods.

However, the hosts were protected by an outstanding performance from their goalkeeper. The shot-stopper made several important saves to deny CS Sfaxien and keep Shooting Stars in front.

Shooting Stars were forced to defend resolutely during the closing stages, but they held on to claim a valuable first-leg victory. The result gives the Nigerian side a slender advantage to take into the return match, although the tie remains finely balanced.

The second leg will be played in Sfax next weekend. The team with the higher aggregate score over the two matches will progress to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

For Shooting Stars, the victory represents an encouraging start to their return to African club competition. Their performance in Abeokuta, particularly during the opening period, gave them control of the first leg, while their defensive resilience and the goalkeeper’s saves proved decisive as CS Sfaxien pushed for a way back into the match.

The Tunisian side will now have home advantage in the reverse fixture and will need to overturn the one-goal deficit to continue their campaign. Shooting Stars, meanwhile, must protect their narrow lead if they are to advance to the next stage.

The first-leg result means the tie will be decided in Sfax, with both teams still in contention for a place in the second preliminary round.