Nations FC have been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup after drawing 1-1 with FC Diarra in the second leg of their preliminary-round tie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The MTN FA Cup holders needed a win to overturn their 1-0 first-leg defeat in Bamako on September 5, but they were unable to find the goals required to progress.

The result saw FC Diarra advance to the next round with a 2-1 aggregate victory, leaving Nations FC’s continental campaign over after just two matches.

Diallo Frustrates Nations

Nations FC dominated possession for long periods and created several opportunities as they searched for the breakthrough.

However, FC Diarra goalkeeper Yakouba Diallo produced a series of important saves to keep the visitors ahead and frustrate the Ghanaian side.

Despite Nations’ sustained pressure, FC Diarra eventually broke the deadlock in the 74th minute to put themselves in a commanding position in the tie.

Nations responded quickly, with substitute Ouedraogo Fatahou restoring parity six minutes later in the 80th minute.

The equaliser gave the home side renewed hope, but Nations could not find the decisive second goal before the final whistle.

FC Diarra held on to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory and eliminate the Ghanaian FA Cup champions.

Ghana Left Without a Group-Stage Representative

Nations FC’s elimination compounds a disappointing start to Ghana’s campaign in this season’s CAF inter-club competitions.

The defeat means Ghana will have no representative in the group stage of either the CAF Champions League or CAF Confederation Cup.

Medeama SC had already suffered elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-1 on aggregate to TP Mazembe.

The early exits leave Ghana without a club presence in the group phase of Africa’s premier club competitions, raising further questions about the strength and competitiveness of the country’s domestic football.

Logarušić: “I Am Not a Magician”

Nations FC head coach Zdravko Logarušić pointed to significant changes to his squad as one of the challenges facing the team.

“I am not a magician, I am just a coach,” Logarušić said.

“A lot of players left the club and a lot of players came. Our five top signings could not play.”

The coach’s comments highlight the difficulties Nations FC faced in preparing for their continental campaign, particularly with key new recruits unavailable for the tie.

Focus Turns to Division One League

With their CAF Confederation Cup campaign now over, Nations FC will turn their attention back to domestic football.

The club were relegated from the Ghana Premier League last season and will now seek to rebuild their campaign in the Division One League.

For the MTN FA Cup holders, the immediate task will be to put the continental disappointment behind them and focus on securing a swift return to Ghana’s top flight.