Ghana's Kwasi Sibo started on his CAF Champions League bow as Al Swehly edged Tunisian giants Esperance 1-0 in Misurata.
Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo marked his CAF Champions League debut in style, starting in the engine room as Libyan side Al Swehly beat Tunisian heavyweights Esperance de Tunis 1-0 in the first leg of their second-round preliminary tie. Sibo had sat out the opening round, but he was handed his chance at Misurata Stadium on Sunday and played his part in a famous night for the hosts.
Ayoub Ayed provided the decisive moment in the 64th minute, giving Al Swehly a slender but precious advantage over one of the continent's most decorated clubs. It was a gritty, hard-fought display from the Libyans, who now head into the return fixture this weekend with a lead to defend.
There was late drama too. Esperance forward Youcef Belaïli was shown a straight red card after the final whistle, capping a frustrating evening for the Tunisian side.
The former Real Oviedo man is expected to feature again in the second leg as Al Swehly chase a place in the group stage of Africa's premier club competition. For Sibo, the stakes go beyond club level. He will be hoping his Champions League outing helps push his case for a Black Stars call-up for next month's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Ghana set to face Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying.
