Phobia style: Hearts of Oak stun Djoliba in Bamako

Hearts of Oak moved a giant step in sealing a qualification into the next stage of the Confederation Cup competition as they beat Malian side Djoliba AC 1- 2 in the first leg tie in Bamako.

Two second half goals from Gilbert Fiamenyo and Paul Acquah took Hearts of Oak into a blossom lead before Itanga Diarra reduced the deficit for the home side from the spot.

Djoliba AC looked very determined in the first half as they dominated play. The Phobians relied on counter attack, but the home side initiated most of their attack at the right side of Hearts of Oak defense as in most cases Abdoulai Traore took Robin Gnagne on as the away side's captain went into the referee's book for a silly tackle on his marker, the first half failed to produce a goal.

From recess, Hearts of Oak came into the game with a different mentality and they deployed all attacking football; in the 62 minute Gilbert Fiamenyo struck the first goal after he was put through goal by Foovi Aguidi, 10 minutes later the Phobians struck their second courtesy Paul Acquah.

Djoliba AC never got despaired; they came from their shell to push Hearts of Oak back, which resulted in the 70 minute booking. Robin Gnagne received his matching orders as he went into the referee's book for the second time, the home side benefited from the numerical disadvantage of the Phobians as they reduced the deficit in the 73 minute from the spot through Intanga Diarra.

The Phobians after conceding held their guns to win the first leg tie 1-2 in Bamako as the second leg is schedule to come off in two weeks time.