Hearts of Oak Humiliated by AS Real Bamako in CAF Confederation Cup

• Accra Hearts of Oak have suffered a first leg CAF Confederation Cup defeat to Malian outfit AS Real Bamako
• The Ghanaian FA Cup winners were beaten 3-0 at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako as they begin their campaign in Africa with defeat
• The inaugural winners of Africa's second tier competition will host their opponents in Accra next week

Hearts of Oak have been handed a reality check in their CAF Confederation Cup opener after suffering defeat in Mali against Real Bamako.

The Ghanaian giants were humbled 3-0 at the Stade du 26 Mars by Malian side AS Real Bamako.

First half goals from Moussa Kone and Ismael Bamba and a second half strike from Chieckna Diakite ensured Real Bamako take a huge advantage to Ghana in a week time.

The Malian club got off to a good start after Kone opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match with a brilliant strike.

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The Phobians were awoken from their early slumber and nearly got the leveller through talisman Gladson Awako, whose strike in the 25th minute hit the crossbar.

With the Ghanaian side chasing an equalizer, they were punished with a quarter left for half time, when Bamba whipped in a teasing freekick.

After the break, Hearts of Oak created numerous chances with the best falling to former Ghana U20 striker Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh.

However, the Black Stars forward failed to convert his chances.

AS Real Bamako maintained their composure and with 15 minutes left Hamala Diackite punished the Phobians after a poor defending by the Accra-based club.

Hearts will host Real Bamako in Accra in seven days time with the hopes of overturning the deficit.

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Hearts of Oak part ways with coach Samuel Boadu

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Accra Hearts of Oak have ended their relationship with coach Samuel Boadu just three games into the new season.

Samuel Boadu leaves after winning the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League and back-to-back FA Cup with the Phobians.

In a statement posted on social media, the club confirmed they have parted ways with the former Medeama SC coach.