Colomb and Stade Malien Bamako shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw during the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Saturday evening. The result keeps both sides searching for clarity in a match where chances were created but not converted. Stade Malien, sitting top of their group with 11 points from six games, will take little satisfaction from a point away from home.
Colomb dominated possession at 57 per cent and recorded 109 attacks compared to their opponents' 95. Yet for all that territory, the hosts could not find the net. Stade Malien defended resolutely, winning just one corner to Colomb's nine, and earned a yellow card for their troubles.
And here's the thing, it was not the performance either side expected. Colomb had been in devastating form recently, scoring 14 goals in their last five matches including a 7-0 thrashing of Faw Azur Elite. Instead, they found themselves unable to break down a disciplined opposition.
Stade Malien's record this campaign suggests they are comfortable grinding out results. Three wins, two draws and one loss has them leading their section, and this draw extended their unbeaten run in the group stage. They will know they had opportunities to take all three points but could not capitalise.
The statistics tell a story of one team controlling the ball without control of the outcome. Colomb's 57 per cent possession and 109 attacks yielded nothing. Stade Malien's 43 per cent possession and 95 attacks also came to nothing. It was a match decided by fine margins.
For Colomb, the disappointment is palpable. They had shown no shortage of firepower in their recent fixtures but could not translate that into a result against a side they should have beaten. Stade Malien, meanwhile, remain on top of the table and will hope to build on this defensive solidity.