Ulinzi Stars were on Friday afternoon beaten 1-0 by Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi in their preliminary round of CAF Confederation Cup played at Cairo Military Academy.

A second half strike from Ahmed Abar left the army side with a mountain to climb and will need nothing but a win when they face off in a return leg scheduled for Saturday 19th February at Moi International Sports Centre,Kasarani.

Ulinzi were the impressive side in the first stanza,putting the North Africans on the own half but their efforts were not rewarded as the tie went to goalless draw by the halftime break.

In the second half,the hosts came back an organized side netting the opener on the 46th minute through Ahmed Abar for the lone goal of the match.

The soldiers will now need a win of a margin of two goals and above for them to progress into the next stage during the return leg to be played in next seven day.

It will be a game where their top striker John Makwatta will be expected to be available having missed the first match due to immigration issues.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face Smouha of Egypt in the first round.

Ulinzi Stars Starting XI:James Saruni, Brian Birgen, Omar Mbongi, Hassan Mohammed, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Boniface Onyango, Samuel Onyango, John Kago, Evans Amwoka, Daniel Waweru Baron Oketch.

Subs: Jactone Odhiambo, Cylus Shitote, Benson Sande, Churchill Muloma, Stephen Ochola, Justin Onwonga and Enosh Ochieng.