Bibiani Goldstars suffer 2-0 home defeat to JS Kabylie in CAF Champions League prelims

Bibiani Goldstars endured a tough start to their CAF Champions League campaign after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Algerian giants JS Kabylie in the first leg of the preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The visitors scored in each half to secure a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.

JS Kabylie began brightly, causing problems for the Ghanaian champions. Mehdi Merghem found the back of the net early on, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Goldstars almost took the lead through Francis Twene, but his strike was superbly saved by the Kabylie goalkeeper.

The Algerians eventually broke the deadlock against the run of play when Merghem tapped in a cross from the right. Goldstars nearly responded immediately through Sampson Eduku, but his hesitation allowed the visitors to clear the danger.

Despite showing more purpose as the half wore on, Goldstars went into the break trailing.

After the restart, Kabylie threatened again as Mostapha’s cross picked out Billel Messaoudi, whose header went narrowly wide. The hosts then piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer, with Attah Kumi and Braimah Baah both missing decent chances.

Kabylie, however, punished the Ghanaians’ wastefulness in the 75th minute when Senegalese forward Babacar Sarr tapped into an empty net to double the lead.

Goldstars created several opportunities but failed to convert, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they travel to Algeria for the decisive second leg in a week’s time.