CAFCL: JS Kabylie outclass US Monastir in first leg victory

Algeria’s JS Kabylie took a big step towards the group stage of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) on Friday with a decisive 3-0 first leg victory away at Tunisian club US Monastir to begin their clash in the final round of qualifying.

It was a stellar performance by the visitors from Algeria, who had plenty of traveling support at the Stade Municipal Taieb Mhiri in Sfax. Mehdi Merghem’s excellent strike from distance stunned the home team early in the second half before Lahlou Akhrib finished off another brilliant team movement.

After an even first half with a couple of opportunities for each team, JSK produced an inspired second half performance to give themselves the two-goal lead heading back home. In the 49th minute, Aimen Lahmeri played a combination on the left wing and his cross went to the far post, where Merghem collected the ball to cut inside and launch a perfect strike past USM goalkeeper Abdessalem Hallaoui.

The second goal was just as impressive. USM were left exposed to the counter-attack and JSK midfielder Mohamed Hamidi had plenty of room to produce a clever pass that split the hosts’ defense. Lahmeri received the ball behind the defense after a well-timed run and crossed for Akhrib, who was left with an easy finish.

Babacar Sarr completed the humiliating defeat for Monastir in the final ten minutes by finishing for JSK’s third goal. The two teams will meet again in Tizi Ouzou next Saturday where JSK will be widely expected to confirm their place in the group stage.