By Joseph Morris Vincent

Liberia’s lone representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Paynesville FC on Saturday grabbed a 1-0 win against Mali’s Stade Malien in the first leg of the second round at the SKD Sports Complex in Paynesville.

The club put up a good fight and created numerous chances, which they squandered before defender Ayetay Yangbe scored in the second half to secure all three points. 

Paynesville FC’s performances in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds have been good and continue to keep Liberia’s hopes alive on the continental stage. 

The club has taken a significant step toward the group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory and will be hoping for better away results if they are to qualify for the group stage. 

The Liberian Cup Winners entered the game full of confidence, having previously navigated past Cameroon’s Fovu Baham in the earlier round.

However, Stade Malien, Mali’s cup champions, proved a tough opponent, frustrating Paynesville FC’s attack for much of the match.

Despite their household name in the competition, the Malien club could not stop Ayetay Yangbe’s moment of brilliance. 

Paynesville now carries a slim 1-0 lead into the second leg, which will take place on Saturday, September 21 in Bamako. 

The aggregate winner will secure a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, an accomplishment Paynesville FC is determined to achieve as they remain Liberia’s only representative in CAF competitions after Watanga FC’s early exit.