Shooting Stars made a winning return to continental football, defeating Tunisia's CS Sfaxien 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Saturday.

The result ended a 26-year absence from continental competition for the Ibadan club, whose last appearance on the African stage came in 1999.

The hosts controlled the opening exchanges, pinning CS Sfaxien inside their own half and creating sustained pressure on the Tunisian defence. That dominance was rewarded in the 26th minute when Lucky Emmanuel struck to put Shooting Stars ahead — a lead the home side would not relinquish.

Goalkeeper stands tall

CS Sfaxien raised their level after the interval, pressing for an equaliser and testing the Shooting Stars defence repeatedly. The visitors created several chances but were denied by an inspired performance between the posts, with the Shooting Stars goalkeeper producing a series of sharp saves to keep his side's advantage intact.

Shooting Stars held their shape through a tense closing period to confirm the victory and carry a one-goal lead into the second leg.

Return fixture in Sfax

The reverse fixture is scheduled to take place in Sfax next weekend. The aggregate winner across both legs will advance to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.