Goldstars Face Uphill Battle After Home Defeat to JS Kabylie
Bibiani Goldstars have left themselves with a mountain to climb in the CAF Champions League after falling 2-0 to Algerian giants JS Kabylie in their preliminary round first-leg clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Ghanaian side, making their debut in Africa’s premier club competition, struggled to convert their chances, while their more experienced opponents punished them clinically to secure a crucial away win.
Kabylie looked threatening right from kick-off and had the ball in the net through Mehdi Merghem, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside. Goldstars briefly grew into the game and nearly went ahead when Francis Twene tested the goalkeeper in the 17th minute, but his attempt was comfortably gathered.
Against the run of play, the visitors found the breakthrough as Merghem tapped home from close range after a well-worked move on the right flank. Goldstars tried to respond immediately through Sampson Eduku, but his hesitation in front of goal allowed the Algerian defence to recover.
The second half saw the Miners push harder for an equaliser, with Attah Kumi and Braimah Baah both missing clear openings. Their profligacy proved costly as JS Kabylie doubled their lead in the 75th minute, Babacar Sarr tucking into an empty net after a swift counterattack.
Despite their late pressure, Goldstars could not find a way back into the contest and will now need nothing short of a miracle when they travel to Algiers for the return leg next weekend.
