CAFCL: Petro de Luanda squander late opportunities as Stade Malien take a point away from home

Stade Malien continued their inspired run at the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) on Saturday by claiming a point at Angolan champions Petro de Luanda following their 0-0 draw at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

It was a frustrating outing and a missed opportunity for the hosts in the Angolan capital after they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Portuguese playmaker Benny failed to convert a late penalty kick, costing his team maximum points.

As they have throughout the group stage, the visitors put in another strong defensive performance on the road. The hosts’ best opportunity to break the deadlock in the first half came in the 36th minute when another Portuguese import, Costinha, fired over the bar after Jonathan Toro’s cross fell kindly for the forward.

The pressure increased from the hosts in the final half hour. Substitute forward Jó Paciência did well to chest down a cross but goalkeeper N’Golo Traoré did excellently to come out and close down the shot attempt. 

It appeared that the goal would finally arrive for Os Petrolíferos in the 79th minute after attacking right back Antonio Hossi was fouled in the penalty area. However, Benny smashed his spot kick off the crossbar and a resulting volley was collected by Traoré for the visitors to escape unscathed.

It ends goalless. Atlético Petróleos 0-0 Stade Malien at full time. 🤝#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/ggsuDw4AKu

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 31, 2026

The Malian champions remain Group D leaders with three points separating them from Tunisian giants Espérance Tunis as well as Saturday’s opponents. They will host Espérance next week in Bamako, where a victory will secure their place in the quarterfinals.

Petro now face a must-win match at home next weekend against last place Simba SC.

CAFCL Group D Table