ASR Bamako earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Glorious Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2022/23 CAF Confederations Cup second preliminary round first leg encounter on Saturday.
The Rainbows trip to Mali was a big talking point with positive vibes despite their slow start to the Ghana Premier League but they failed to score a goal at Stade du Bamako.
Hearts interim boss David Ocloo made some changes from the team’s starting eleven with Fatawu Mohammed returning into the squad ahead of Inkoom.
After passing up a series of chances, Bamako eventually made their first-half dominance count and eased past the visitors with a 2-0 lead before the first half.
Hearts of Oak tried to get a consolation but they were not able to convert their chances.
However, they looked uncomfortable at the back, giving the ball away carelessly deep in their own half and making hard work for themselves in dangerous areas.
On the 74th minute, the visitors conceded the third goal making it 3-0 lead for the hosts, leaving the Phobian fraternity in disappointment.
The win gives the Malians the hope to make a cool job in the second leg scheduled for next weekend in Accra.
They will register their name in the group stage of this year’s Confederations Cup if they are able to secure a point or prevent defeat more than three goals in the reverse fixture.