CAF Champions League: JS Kabylie defeat Bibiani Gold Stars 2-0 away

JS Kabylie secured a commanding 2-0 away victory over Bibiani Gold Stars in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Saturday afternoon.

Playing at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Algerian side demonstrated their composure and efficiency in front of goal to take a significant step toward progressing to the next stage of the competition.

From the outset, JS Kabylie looked determined to make their mark, pressing their opponents and quickly establishing control of the match.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Mehdi Merghem opened the scoring. His well-taken effort gave the visitors an early advantage and silenced the home supporters.

Despite Bibiani Gold Stars’ attempts to respond, their attacking play was effectively neutralised by Kabylie’s disciplined defensive organisation.

The opening goal stood as the difference between the two teams at half-time, with the Algerians holding firm against a series of efforts from the Ghanaian side. Gold Stars struggled to create clear chances, often undone by misplaced passes in the final third or halted by Kabylie’s resolute back line.

After the interval, JS Kabylie maintained their momentum and continued to probe for a second goal. Their persistence was rewarded in the 70th minute when Babacar Sarr doubled the lead. His clinical finish extended the visitors’ advantage and placed Kabylie firmly in control of the tie.

The second strike left Gold Stars facing an uphill battle. Despite urging from the home crowd, the Ghanaian team were unable to mount a comeback. Their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Kabylie’s well-drilled defence and the visitors’ ability to slow the tempo when needed.

For JS Kabylie, the victory was not only a statement of intent but also a significant step towards qualification. Winning convincingly on foreign soil places them in a strong position ahead of the decisive return leg.

The Algerian side will return home with a two-goal cushion, knowing that a disciplined performance in front of their supporters could secure safe passage to the next round.

Bibiani Gold Stars, meanwhile, now face a daunting challenge. They must overturn the deficit in Algeria, where Kabylie’s passionate fanbase and home advantage are expected to make conditions even more difficult.

For the Ghanaians, the task will require greater efficiency in attack and tighter defensive organisation if they are to have any hope of upsetting the odds.

As the final whistle blew, the result underlined Kabylie’s pedigree and experience on the continental stage.

Their ability to combine defensive solidity with clinical finishing proved decisive, leaving Gold Stars with much to ponder before the return fixture.

The second leg is scheduled to take place in Algeria next week, where JS Kabylie will look to complete the job, while Bibiani Gold Stars must deliver a remarkable performance to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

HT Bibiani GoldStars 🇬🇭 0-1 JS Kabylie 🇩🇿

This is the goal the Ghana Premier League champions conceded.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/DCYRKHQtFG

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 20, 2025

🎥 Le but de Babacar Sarr sur une offrande de Aziz Lahmeri ! 🔥

pic.twitter.com/FZfJMWIdO0

— JSK Time 🔰 (@JSK_Time) September 20, 2025