Ghana FA Cup champions Nations FC have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Mali’s FC Diarra in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

The match, played at the Stade Mamadou Konaté on Saturday, September 5, ended goalless at half-time after a closely contested opening period.

Neither side was able to create a clear-cut opportunity before the break, but FC Diarra eventually found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half.

The Malian side’s 55th-minute goal proved decisive as Nations FC struggled to find a way back into the game.

The Ghanaian champions pushed forward in search of an equaliser and committed more players to attack, but FC Diarra defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.

Nations FC will now have to overturn the one-goal deficit in the second leg if they are to advance to the second preliminary round.

The return fixture will be played in Ghana on Sunday, September 13, with Nations FC needing a victory to keep their continental campaign alive.

The tie marks Nations FC’s debut in the CAF Confederation Cup.