Ghanaians Hearts of Oak proved they are not “money-wasters” with a 2-1 weekend win at Malians Djoliba to stake a strong claim for a CAF Confederation Cup play-offs place.

Gilbert Fiamenyo and Paul Acquah scored second-half goals for the heavily criticised Accra outfit in a last-16 first-leg clash before Issiaka Diarra reduced arrears from a penalty in Bamako.

It was the fourth victory in five CAF outings this season for the ‘Phobians’, who were severely criticised by former captain Jacob Nettey before the preliminary round.

Nettey, skipper of Hearts’ 2000 CAF Champions League-winning team, told Ghanaian radio that “it will be a waste of money for them to play in Africa this year. They won’t get anywhere.

“If you want to compete at the highest level you must have quality players. Hearts lack the quality to play in Africa.”

But after overall victories over the Beninese Police and Senegalese Olympique Ngor clubs and the win at Djoliba, Hearts need just a home draw in early May to secure a play-offs spot.

Hearts, winners of the maiden Confederation Cup 11 years ago, achieved victory the hard way at Stade Modibo Keita in the Malian capital.

Ivory Coast-born skipper Robin Gnague was cautioned in the opening half and sent off on 70 minutes after a second yellow-card offence.

Tunisians Club Africain finally got to play in the Confederation Cup this season when they drew 1-1 at Algerians ASO Chlef.

After receiving a preliminary-round bye, the 1991 African champions got a last-32 walkover when Nigerians Dolphins arrived late in Tunis for the first leg.

Saber Khalifa, on loan frrom French Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, put the visitors ahead midway through the second half at Stade Mohamed Boumezrag in eastern Algeria.

Ivorian Patrick Kwako equalised five minutes from time, but Chlef are unlikely to survive the return match in Tunisia.

The three-round Confederation Cup qualifying stage involves national cup winners and third-place league finishers with the top 12 ranked countries permitted two entries.

CAF Champions League last-16 losers join at the play-offs stage of a competition offering a $660,000 (610,000 euros) first prize.