Senegalese club, ASC Diaraf came from a goal down to defeat Nigerian club, Kano Pillars in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
Pillars scored first through David Ebuka in the 12th minute but the hosts battled back gamely and were back on level terms five minutes later when Zaky Bassene prodded home to calm frayed nerves.
Diaraf took the lead for the first time seven minutes before the break through Samba Diallo.
Pilars’ fate was eventually sealed late in the second half when Lubasse Gulye struck 3-1 to leave Sai Masu Gida with a mountain to climb.
Afterwards, the Pillars head Lionel Emmanuel Soccoia addressed the media after the contest and looked ahead to the return fixture in Nigeria.
“It was a good system in the first half and we scored in the first 12 minutes of the game,” Soccoia said. “Diaraf were not dangerous but we made two mistakes before the end of the first half.
“Also, I don’t know if the second goal scored by Diaraf was offside or not. The second half was 50-50 but we conceded a late goal.
“The organization of my team today was very good but Diaraf is also a big team in Senegal with very good players.”
The French coach concluded by discussing his plans for the return fixture of the tie.
“We have to attack to win. We can win by two or three clear goals. No problems when you play at home and I think it is possible (to do that).
“It was important to score in Dakar because if we score two goals at home, we will qualify.”
Pillars will face Diaraf at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on December 5 in the second leg of the preliminary round tie.
