Algerian clubs set for crucial African continental clashes

Algeria’s four continental representatives — JS Kabylie, MC Alger, USM Alger, and CR Belouizdad — are finalising preparations ahead of their crucial first-leg fixtures in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup this weekend.

In the Champions League, JS Kabylie will get the ball rolling on Friday when they travel to Tunisia to face US Monastir.

The Kabyle delegation departed for Sfax on Wednesday evening aboard a special Air Algérie flight.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer’s men will hold their final training session on Thursday at the match venue as they aim to secure a positive result before hosting the return leg in Tizi Ouzou.

Determined to ensure optimal focus, JSK management has resolved all outstanding financial matters with the squad.

Officials have also liaised with their Tunisian counterparts to obtain the 10% ticket allocation reserved for away fans, promising to reciprocate under similar conditions in Algeria for the second leg.

Meanwhile, fellow Champions League participants MC Alger continue preparations under coach Rulani Mokwena ahead of their away fixture against FC Colombe in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The South African coach faces early selection challenges, with six players absent due to international duty — Zougrana, Ghezala, Guendouz, Benkhemassa, Bayazid, and Helamia.

Guinean forward Bangoura, who featured for his national side in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Botswana, is expected to rejoin the group before departure.

Should he fail to make it in time, Mokwena is considering either Boussouf or Tabti as his replacement.

In the Confederation Cup, USM Alger and CR Belouizdad used the international break to maintain their rhythm through friendly fixtures.

Abdelhak Benchikha’s USMA side faced MO Constantine from the second division in a warm-up at the Omar Hamadi Stadium in Bologhine, losing 1–0 after Badis Khadiche netted the only goal of the game.

The Algerian champions will depart for Abidjan on Thursday, where they will face FAD Academy on Sunday evening at the Ebimpé Stadium.

Elsewhere, CR Belouizdad looked sharp in a comprehensive 6–0 win over Regional 1 side JSM Chéraga, the former club of striker Islam Slimani.

The friendly allowed the technical staff to test several players in the absence of internationals from the A’ national team.

CRB are now gearing up for their CAF Confederation Cup opener against Hafia Conakry, coached by Algerian tactician Lakhdar Adjali.

The encounter will take place in Senegal at the Stade de Thiès on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. Algerian time.