Onze Createurs have a slim chance of qualifying for the next round of the CAF Confederations Cup after being frustrated to a 1-1 draw by visiting Algerian side, CR Belouizdad in preliminary round first leg tie, at Modiba Keita Stadium in Bamako.

Defender Cheickna Samake put the Malian domestic cup champions ahead in the 44th minute via a well taken penalty after he was fouled on the edge of the CRB eighteen yard box, but their celebrations were cut short by an early second half strike from Youcef Bechou.

The Createurs, who are making into the continental competition for the first time after several years, will have to win by a score of any margin in next weekend’s away return leg match for them to sail through.

Both teams exchanged possession in the early proceedings, but it is Createurs who came close scoring in the 20th minute when Lassana Samake ’s header was saved by the opposing goalkeeper before Karim Aribi missed a sitter from counter-attack.

Mohamed Heriat twice came to scoring for Algerians with his two successive last-ditch blocks cleared from goal line .Hakim Koundi enjoyed an opening 45 minutes, looking the most likely to decide the clash early on and was unfortunate not to have had a goal to his name before the break.

With the hosts leading 1-0 and eager to make the home advantage count, Drame’s charges went all out in attack after the restart but were made to pay in 62nd minute after Bechou collected a loose ball in midfield before weaving his way past three Createurs defenders and fired straight at Akalifa Coulibaly who failed to gather. Bechou then poked home the loose ball to level matters.

Ten minutes from time,Createurs survived a scare to go down by a second goal,Mamadou Kone  making a superb tackle to deny Hakim Khoudi who was preparing to pull the trigger unmarked inside the box after picking up a pass from Aribi.

Despite Createurs piling pressure, they could not get the winner and should now win or draw by at least two goals in the return leg.