San Pedro FC opened their CAF Champions League campaign with a 2-1 home victory over F.C. Nouadhibou, using a strong first-half display to secure three valuable points. The Ivorian side built a two-goal lead before Nouadhibou responded, setting up a tense final phase in which San Pedro had to defend with maturity.

Match overview

San Pedro started with purpose, pressing high and forcing Nouadhibou into early mistakes. The home side’s pressure paid off when they opened the scoring inside the first 20 minutes, and a second goal before half-time gave them a cushion. Nouadhibou improved after the break, pulled one back and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but San Pedro’s defence held firm through the closing stages.

Key moments

• 14th minute: San Pedro took the lead when Koffi Yao arrived at the back post to convert a low cross.
• 39th minute: The home side doubled their advantage through Mohamed Sylla, who finished a quick counter-attack with a composed strike.
• 57th minute: Nouadhibou pulled one back with a header from a well-delivered corner.
• 74th minute: San Pedro’s goalkeeper produced a strong save to deny a curling effort from outside the box.
• 88th minute: Nouadhibou sent numbers forward, but San Pedro cleared a dangerous free kick.

Tactical story

San Pedro’s first-half performance was built on aggressive pressing and fast transitions. They won the ball in advanced areas and attacked Nouadhibou’s full-backs quickly, which created the space for both goals. After the interval, Nouadhibou adjusted by pushing their midfield higher and using wider deliveries. That change brought them back into the game, but San Pedro dropped their defensive line slightly and protected the central zone well enough to see out the win.

Standout performers

Koffi Yao was a constant threat on the right and capped his performance with the opening goal. Mohamed Sylla’s movement and finishing gave San Pedro a decisive edge in the first half, while the goalkeeper’s second-half save proved just as important as the goals.

What the result means

The three points give San Pedro an encouraging start in the CAF Champions League group stage and set a strong platform for their next fixture. Nouadhibou leave with a goal and a useful second-half response, but they will need to start more strongly if they are to take points from their remaining matches.