The latest edition of Malian club football's biggest rivalry saw Malian Premiere Division leaders Djoliba AC defeat Stade Malien by a 1-0 score on Sunday.
Dubbed the "Malian Classico", there was plenty of anticipation for the match involving the rivals both based in the capital of Bamako. After years of dominance in favor of Stade Malien, Les Blancs have seen Djoliba and Real Bamako overtake them and this theme continued on Sunday.
After the teams exchanged opportunities in an energetic opening ten minutes, Djoliba struck in the 19th minute. A rapid attack down the left wing opened up plenty of space for a bouncing cross to find Adama Goita, who cushioned a clever finish into the goal past Stade goalkeeper N'Golo Traoré.
Djoliba were more dangerous for the remainder of the first half with Traoré doing well to save at his near post from a Goita strike close to halftime. Stade Malien pushed hard for an equalizer and had a golden chance to level when a penalty was awarded in second half stoppage time. However in a dramatic conclusion, Daouda Coulibaly put his spot kick off the post and Stade Malien could not convert the rebound in the ensuing chaos.
With ten matches played, Djoliba are the clear leaders with three points separating them from second placed USFAS Bamako, who have played two more matches than Djoliba. Stade Malien are in seventh place on the table with matches to make up on the rest of the field due to their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
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