WATCH: New Bafana Bafana star Sage Stephens beaten twice as Stellenbosch FC start Caf Confederation Cup Group B campaign with defeat against Stade Malien

Stellenbosch were grouped with last season's Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finalists Stade Malien, RSB Berkane, and Desportivo Lunda-Sul.

The debutants gave a good account of themselves at the March 26 Stadium in Bamako on Wednesday evening.

However, they were undone by Haman Mandjan's 15th-minute effort that was deflected past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sage Stephens to make it 1-0.

In the final minute of the game, Devon Titus committed a needless challenge in the danger zone and Daouda Coulibaly rose for the occasion, sending new Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sage Stephens the wrong way for a 2-0 win.

Have a look at the sole deflected strike of the evening that left Stephens helpless.

Here is the second goal for the hosts.

Stellenbosch proved they have what it takes to compete at the highest level despite a 2-0 loss against the Malian outfit.

The next fixture in Group B will be against RS Berkane, another tough team from North Africa.

All Steve Barker and his arsenal have to do is ensure they give their best and get a positive result to stand a chance of making the top two positions and advance to the quarter-final.

To achieve that, the attacking players have to up their game, especially in the final third.

Stellies have started the season relatively well across all competitions - regardless of the Wednesday loss.

This weekend will be massive for them as they take on Premier Soccer League leaders Orlando Pirates who have a 100 per cent win record.