Accra Hearts of Oak lost 3-0 to AS Real Bamako of Mali on Saturday afternoon at the Stade 26 Mars stadium, in the first leg of the preliminary round.
The Phobians went into the game on the back of the sacking of head coach Samuel Boadu, with former Liberty Professionals coach, David Ocloo, who was appointed assistant coach, leading the charge for the match.
Real Bamako took the lead early in the 11th minute of the game, before the Malians found the net yet again in the 30th minute to make it 2-0.
The first-half ended in favour of Real Bamako.
The Phobians came into the 2nd-half looking to get back in the encounter but were unable to find the back of the net, despite several attempts at goal.
The home side added to their tally in the 74th minute, to put the game out of the reach of Hearts of Oak.
Real Bamako will travel to Accra for the return leg with the advantage, while Hearts of Oak will be hoping to turn the tie around in their favour.
The 2nd leg will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 15, 2022.