JS Kabylie Hold Champions Al Ahly to Goalless Draw in Tizi Ouzou
JS Kabylie frustrated CAF Champions League leaders Al Ahly with a resolute defensive display, earning a crucial 0-0 draw at home in their Group stage encounter.
The Algerian side, sitting fourth in the table with just two points from four matches, produced their most disciplined performance of the campaign to deny the Egyptian giants, who entered the match as overwhelming favourites with eight points from four games and a perfect away record.
Al Ahly dominated possession (51%) and territorial advantage but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by a well-organised JS Kabylie defence. The visitors registered just three shots compared to the hosts’ 14, with only one effort troubling goalkeeper Oussama Benbot, who made five saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The statistics told the story of Al Ahly’s frustration. Despite enjoying 328 passes at 86% accuracy and forcing five corner kicks, they managed just two shots inside the penalty area. JS Kabylie goalkeeper Benbot was called into action far more frequently than his counterpart, who needed to make only one save.
Both teams collected yellow cards in the first half, with Madani cautioned for the hosts on 25 minutes and Al Ahly’s Kouka following suit eight minutes later. The second half saw tactical adjustments as both managers sought to break the deadlock, with Trezeguet introduced immediately after the interval for Al Ahly, whilst Madani was withdrawn for JS Kabylie on 58 minutes.
The result represents a significant moral victory for JS Kabylie, whose LDDLW form suggests they are finding their feet in the competition. For Al Ahly, the draw extends their unbeaten run but represents two points dropped in their quest for top spot.
This outcome defied pre-match predictions of a 1-1 draw, with the defensive masterclass from the Algerian outfit ensuring both sides shared the spoils in a tactically intriguing encounter that showcased the unpredictable nature of continental football.
