JS Kabylie played out a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League group stage match but were eliminated from the competition. The result at Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium was insufficient to keep their qualification hopes alive, as AS FAR's victory elsewhere sealed their fate. Despite a strong performance from the home side, they could not find a breakthrough.
The match between JS Kabylie and Al Ahly took place on Saturday at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, as part of the fifth round of the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League group stage. Kick-off was at 8:00 PM local time, with JS Kabylie desperate for a win to revive their slim chances of advancing. Prior to the game, coach Josef Zinnbauer acknowledged the challenge, stating, "It's true our chances of qualifying are slim, but it's always better than having none at all." He added, "We're up against a team that in recent years has been considered one of the best in Africa and boasts very experienced players." Player Hamidi remained optimistic: "Our chances of qualification are still alive."
JS Kabylie lined up with Merbah in goal, defended by Hamidi, Madani, Belaïd, and Mammeri, midfield featuring Bott, Bada, Boudebouz, Akhrib, and Messaoudi, and Mahious up front. Al Ahly, the group leaders and defending champions, fielded Shoubeir; Hany, Yasser, Yassin, Koka; Attia, Dieng, Ben Romdhane; Bencherki, Trezeguet, Othman.
The first half ended 0-0, with JS Kabylie dominating possession and creating chances. In the 20th minute, Mahious struck the post with a promising effort, drawing gasps from the home crowd. Al Ahly's defense held firm, but they suffered a setback when top scorer Trezeguet collapsed and was substituted due to injury.
The second half maintained the deadlock, resulting in a goalless draw. This outcome left Group B standings as follows: Al Ahly with 9 points, AS FAR with 8, Young Africans with 5, and JS Kabylie with 3. AS FAR's 1-0 win over Young Africans confirmed JS Kabylie's elimination, as they could no longer reach the top two spots.
The teams have a storied rivalry, having met seven times in continental competitions. JS Kabylie holds a slight historical edge with three wins, two draws, and two losses, scoring 11 goals to Al Ahly's 9. Their most recent prior encounter in the group stage saw Al Ahly triumph 4-1 in Cairo.
