Egyptian side Arab Contractors, who are making their first continental appearance in 15 years, kicked off their African Confederation Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory at Djibouti's Arta Solar 7 in the first leg of the preliminary round on Saturday.

Burkinabe defender Farouck Kabore scored the winner on 24 minutes with a header to give Contractors a clear advantage before they host Arta Solar 7 in the second leg on 4 December.

Contractors last made an African appearance in 2005 when they failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

Last season, Pyramids FC were close to becoming the third Egyptian side to win Africa's secondary competition after Cairo's Ahly and Zamalek, only to lose 1-0 to Morocco's RS Berkane in the final.

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