Ghanaian midfielder Kwasi Sibo made his debut in the CAF Champions League as Libyan club Al Swehly recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in the first leg of their second-round preliminary tie.

Sibo was handed a starting role in midfield when Al Swehly hosted Esperance at the Misurata Stadium on Sunday, having missed the opening round of the competition.

Ayoub Ayed scored the only goal of the encounter in the 64th minute, giving the Libyan side a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for this weekend.

The victory puts Al Swehly in a favourable position as they pursue qualification for the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition. However, the team will need another disciplined performance in the return fixture to secure progression against the experienced Tunisian outfit.

Sibo, who previously played for Spanish side Real Oviedo, is expected to remain an important figure in Al Swehly’s midfield as the club prepares for the decisive second leg.

Esperance suffered a further setback after the final whistle when forward Youcef Belaïli was shown a straight red card.

Meanwhile, Sibo will be hoping his performances at club level strengthen his chances of earning a place in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying as Ghana continue their pursuit of a place at the continental tournament.