Bibiani Goldstars face an uphill battle in the CAF Champions League after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Algeria’s JS Kabylie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Ghana’s sole representatives in the 2025/26 competition, playing their debut continental campaign, struggled to turn possession into goals despite a bright first-half display. Early on, JS Kabylie’s Mehdi Merghem had a strike disallowed for offside before Goldstars midfielder Francis Twene tested the Algerian goalkeeper with a well-taken shot in the 17th minute.
Against the run of play, Merghem broke the deadlock with a close-range finish from a right-wing cross. Goldstars nearly responded immediately, but Sampson Eduku’s hesitation allowed the visitors to clear their lines.
The second half saw Bibiani Goldstars push for an equaliser, with Attah Kumi and Braimah Baah both squandering good chances. Kabylie remained dangerous on the counter and sealed the victory in the 75th minute when Senegalese forward Babacar Sarr tapped into an empty net after another slick move.
The result leaves Goldstars needing a remarkable turnaround in the return leg in Algiers next weekend to keep their Champions League dream alive.
