Algerian powerhouse JS Kabylie showed their continental pedigree with a 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Bibiani GoldStars in the CAF Champions League preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Making their debut on the African stage, GoldStars found themselves outmatched against one of the continent’s most experienced clubs. After surviving early pressure, goalkeeper Emmanuel Kobi kept the home side in the game with crucial saves, but Mehdi Merghem broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a composed finish.
GoldStars showed more resilience after the break, creating a handful of half-chances, but their lack of cutting edge was punished once again when Babacar Sarr pounced on poor defending at a corner in the 70th minute to seal the win.
The result leaves Kabylie, record 14-time Algerian champions, in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Tizi Ouzou. For GoldStars, the loss was a reminder of the steep learning curve of African competition, compounded by the relocation of their home match to Accra after Dun’s Park failed CAF standards.
Coach Frimpong Manso admitted his side struggled to impose themselves but remained hopeful of a response in Algeria.
However, with a two-goal deficit and an intimidating away trip ahead, the Ghanaian champions face an uphill battle to keep their debut continental campaign alive.The return leg will take place in Algeria, September 27z
The winner of this tie will advance to face either East End Lions of Sierra Leone or US Monastir of Tunisia
