AS Vita Club will face JS Kabylie on Friday, November 29, in the opening match of the CAF Champions League group stage. The fixture, to be played at the Stade du 1er Novembre in Tizi-Ouzou, marks the first time in 38 years that the Congolese side will compete in the city, highlighting the significance of the occasion for both teams.
Upon arrival in Algeria, AS Vita Club coach Florent Ibenge spoke about the challenge that awaits his squad in Group D, widely regarded as a “group of death.” Addressing the media, Ibenge emphasized the importance of giving their best on the pitch while remaining realistic about the team’s current circumstances. “The goal is always to enjoy ourselves on the pitch and give our best. Since we are competitors and we are in a four-club competition, it’s important to try and bring back points,” he told Le Buteur.
Ibenge was candid about the hurdles his team faces. AS Vita Club has undergone a major rebuilding phase, having lost fourteen players over the past year and a half, many of whom were internationals. “We know we are going to face a great JSK team. As I’ve already told you, we are rebuilding. We are the underdogs in this group. Not only because of our rebuilding phase, but also because of our budget. If you put AS Vita Club’s budget on a continental scale, we might be beyond 100th place,” he explained. Despite these challenges, the coach insisted that his squad will strive to achieve the best possible result against JS Kabylie.
The group, which also features other top Maghreb teams, presents a tough test for Ibenge’s men. “As you so aptly put it, this is the group of death. Yes, in a way the title is accurate. We are in the same group as the three top teams from the Maghreb,” the Congolese coach noted. Despite being in a transitional period, AS Vita Club has enjoyed relative success in recent years, having reached two finals over the last four seasons.
Ibenge highlighted the potential within his current squad, pointing to talented local players who can make an impact. “We are fortunate to have some interesting players from the country,” he added. His comments reflect a pragmatic approach: acknowledging the team’s limitations while focusing on maximizing the resources and talent available.
With this backdrop, AS Vita Club enters its Champions League campaign determined to challenge JS Kabylie on their home turf. The opening match in Tizi-Ouzou will test the team’s cohesion, resilience, and ability to compete against some of Africa’s strongest clubs, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested group stage.
