CAF Champions League: Stade Malien advance to quarter-finals, a historic first for Mali! | OneFootball

CAF Champions League: Stade Malien advance to quarter-finals, a historic first for Mali!

Stade Malien triumphed 1-0 over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the fifth round of the CAF Champions League group stage. With this victory, the Malians secure a historic qualification to the quarter-finals of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

The 26 March Stadium in Bamako witnessed a landmark moment on the afternoon of February 8, 2026. Roared on by passionate home fans, the Whites of Stade Malien clinched a fiery 1-0 win against Tunisian giants Espérance in a clash that was electrifying right up to the final whistle.

They were not considered favourites, but they did it. The Bamako Whites have written a new chapter in Malian football history. This is, in fact, the first time the club has reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, making them the first Malian team ever to advance to this stage under the competition’s new format.

Dawouda Coulibaly netted the match’s lone goal in the 54th minute. Under the guidance of Cameroonian coach Maurel Njoya, Stade Malien extended their unbeaten run to five games in what has proven to be an exceptionally tough Group D.

After this historic fifth round, the Malians top the group with 11 points, five clear of their opponents in this round, ensuring they’ll finish first in the standings ahead of the highly anticipated final matchday on February 13 against Simba SC of Tanzania.