AS Real de Bamako race into 3-0 half-time lead against ES Zarzis

AS Real de Bamako produced a near-perfect first half to take a 3-0 advantage over Esperance Sportive de Zarzis in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Coupe de la Confederation de la CAF in Tunis on Saturday.

The Malians stunned the Tunisian defence by taking the lead early, with Fousseyni Tangara, wearing number 12, finishing the move to put the visitors in front.

AS Real continued to punish ES Zarzis with a ruthless attacking display, and Andre Kamate then took control of the contest. The number 20 scored twice in quick succession, striking before the hosts had time to recover and completing a first-half double.

His goals left Esperance Sportive de Zarzis facing a sizeable deficit before the interval, while AS Real de Bamako were in complete command of the match.

The visitors went into the dressing room holding a 3-0 lead, putting themselves in a strong position in the race to qualify for the group stage of the competition.

ES Zarzis now require a remarkable response after the break to prevent the Malians from carrying a decisive advantage into the remainder of the tie.