CAFCL: Stade Malien punish sloppy Petro de Luanda

Hosts Stade Malien are now the surprise leaders in Group D of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Angolan champions Petro de Luanda in the Malian capital of Bamako.

Costly errors in their own end caused the downfall of Petro after a scoreless first half. Les Blancs captain Mamadou Traoré set up Taddeus Nkeng for the 54th minute opener before adding the second goal five minutes later.

The hosts looked a bit more dangerous in the first half. Petro goalkeeper Nuno Marques kept the match scoreless in the 35th minute when he came out quickly to block Daouda Coulibaly’s shot from close range following a counter attack.

But the visitors’ defense lost their focus after halftime and Les Stadists punished their opponents. Marques mishit a goal kick that went right to Traoré in the midfield, who quickly passed forward to find Nkeng. The Cameroonian unleashed a low shot from distance that snuck by Marques to spark celebrations from the home supporters at the Stade du 26 Mars.

It only got worse for the visitors. Attempting to start play quickly after collecting the ball, Marques distributed to left back Eddie Afonso who slipped and fell as he tried to receive the ball. Ousmane “Kalaba” Coulibaly collected the ball and burst down the right wing before crossing low to Traoré, who smashed his finish into the roof of the net from close range.

A disappointing match for the visitors was further confirmed when substitute forward Jó Paciência squandered a golden opportunity in the 75th minute shortly after coming on. The hosts held on to continue their excellent continental form and establish a two-point lead at the top of Group D.

Two goals in 5 mins for Stade Malien grant them all 3 points! 👏#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/A6uxyEONK2

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 25, 2026

The two teams will meet again next Saturday in the Angolan capital of Luanda. In the other Group D match on Saturday, Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis defeated Tanzania’s Simba SC 1-0.

CAFCL Group D Table