Tizi Ouzou, September 28, 2025 – Algeria’s JS Kabylie delivered a resounding performance on Sunday evening at the Houcine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, defeating Ghana’s Bibiani Gold Stars 5–0 in the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round. With this result, the Canaries secured their place in the second qualifying round, advancing on a 7–0 aggregate.
The hosts took control of the match from the opening whistle. Algerian international Lahlu Akhrib opened the scoring in the 7th minute, before veteran captain Ryad Boudebouz doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after teammate Bilal Mesraoui was fouled in the box.
The second half continued in the same one-sided fashion. Midfielder Mehdi Mergham made it 3–0 in the 63rd minute, followed by Akhrib’s second goal of the night in the 67th. Substitute Walid Maliki sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike (90+1) after a fine collective move.
In the first leg held last week in Accra, JS Kabylie had already taken a commanding advantage with a 2–0 win, courtesy of goals from Mergham (20’) and Sarr (70’).
With this qualification, JS Kabylie will face Tunisia’s US Monastir in the next round, after the latter eliminated Sierra Leone’s East End Lions (4–0, 3–1).
MC Alger Also Advances
Algeria’s other representative, MC Alger, also booked their ticket to the second qualifying round after defeating Liberia’s Fassel FC 3–0 on Saturday evening at the Ali Ammar “Ali La Pointe” Stadium in Douera. The “Dean” had previously drawn 0–0 away in Paynesville.
In the next round, MC Alger will meet Cameroon’s Colombe du Dja et Lobo, who overcame Senegal’s Jaraaf (0–0 first leg, 1–0 second leg).
The second qualifying round is scheduled for October 17–19 (first legs) and October 24–26 (second legs).
This double qualification confirms Algeria’s determination to reassert its dominance in African football, with two historic clubs aiming to restore national glory on the continental stage.
