Shooting Stars' continental return ends in heartbreak

Shooting Stars' long-awaited return to continental football ended in disappointment on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Tunisia's CS Sfaxien knocked the Ibadan club out of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Oluyole Warriors travelled to Sfax carrying a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but the Tunisian side produced a clinical display to overturn the deficit and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.

While Shooting Stars bowed out, El-Kanemi Warriors kept Nigeria's hopes alive by advancing to the next preliminary round, where they will face Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.

Shooting Stars entered the second leg hoping to protect the lead earned in Abeokuta, where Lucky Emmanuel's goal had handed them a narrow first-leg advantage.

However, the Tunisian hosts wasted little time asserting themselves.

Striker Iyed Belwafi opened the scoring in the 26th minute, drawing CS Sfaxien level on aggregate and shifting the momentum firmly in the home side's favour.

The forward struck again in the 67th minute, finishing clinically to complete his brace and put the visitors under immense pressure.

Despite pushing for the away goal that would have changed the tie, Shooting Stars could not find a breakthrough against a disciplined CS Sfaxien defence.

The defeat brings an abrupt end to Shooting Stars' first continental campaign since 1999, a return that had generated excitement among supporters after the club qualified for Africa through a strong Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Head coach Salisu Yusuf had expressed confidence before the match that his team would not travel to Tunisia merely to defend its lead, but the hosts' clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.

The elimination means the Oluyole Warriors must now shift their attention back to domestic competitions.

While Shooting Stars exited the tournament, fellow Nigerian representatives El-Kanemi Warriors continued their impressive run.

The Maiduguri-based club defeated UDIB of Guinea-Bissau 3-1 on aggregate to secure a place in the next preliminary round.

They will now face Raja Casablanca, one of Africa's most successful clubs in the next round.