JS Kabylie boasts historic edge over Al Ahly ahead of Champions League clash

Al Ahly of Egypt is gearing up for a highly anticipated CAF Champions League group opener against Algerian rivals JS Kabylie at Cairo International Stadium.

The Egyptian side, under Danish coach Jess Thorup, faces Kabylie in a tough group with Morocco’s AS FAR and Tanzania’s Young Africans.

Al Ahly will rely on talents like Ashraf Bencharki and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, but will miss striker Gradisar due to suspension. Kabylie, led by German coach Josef Zinnbauer, is currently eighth in the Algerian league, propelled by top scorer Aymen Mahious, defender Zinedine Belaid, and veteran Riyad Boudbouz.

History favors Kabylie in this rivalry: the teams have met six times, with Kabylie winning three and drawing twice, while Al Ahly clinched victory just once. Financially, Al Ahly is ahead, valued at €38 million compared to Kabylie’s €9.78 million, but individual talents like Mahious (€1.3 million) and Zizou (€4 million) highlight both squads.

Team updates include the full fitness of four Al Ahly stars, while Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed Abdallah remain sidelined. Medical chief Ahmed Gaballah shared, “El Shahat is committed to his rehab after a thigh injury, and we expect a strong return soon.” Thursday’s training was the first time Al Ahly had a full squad since winning the Super Cup final against Zamalek.

Thirty thousand fans will fill the stadium, boosting home support. The stage is set for a fierce contest as both teams seek a winning start in the group phase.