Bibiani GoldStars travel to Tizi Ouzou on Sunday needing nothing short of a miracle to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Algerian giants JS Kabylie in their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie.
The Ghanaian debutants fell short at the Accra Sports Stadium last weekend, where goals from Mehdi Merghem and Babacar Sarr gave them a commanding advantage. The defeat also triggered swift changes at GoldStars, with head coach Frimpong Manso relieved of his duties despite guiding the club to their historic first title. Assistant coach Godwin Ablordey is expected to take charge from the dugout for the return fixture.
JS Kabylie coach Josef Zinnebauer admitted his side were second-best in parts of the first leg, conceding that GoldStars looked dangerous but were let down by poor finishing. He also pointed to the difficult pitch conditions in Accra, insisting Sunday’s game on home soil would be different.
GoldStars, however, are determined to make the trip count. Captain Atta Kumi will be key if the Ghanaians are to mount an unlikely comeback. They will need to score early and remain disciplined against a JS Kabylie side that boasts vast continental experience and a strong home record at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.
The task is daunting: no Ghanaian side has ever overturned a 2-0 home defeat in CAF competition. Yet, GoldStars will be motivated by the chance to make history and prove their resilience on the biggest stage.
Ablordey’s men will need to balance courage with tactical awareness, knowing that scoring without conceding is their only route to survival. Anything less than a perfect performance could spell the end of their continental journey.
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