Locked Down: JS Kabylie Hold Champions Al Ahly to 0–0

In Group B of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League on 7 February 2026, JS Kabylie and Al Ahly FC played out a 0–0 draw in Tizi Ouzou. Despite the hosts’ spirited effort, the reigning African champions from Egypt were unable to find a breakthrough — even though Al Ahly had already secured qualification for the knockout phase before kickoff.

---

Match Statistics

• Competition: CAF Champions League, Group B – Matchday 5
• Final Score: JS Kabylie 0–0 Al Ahly FC
• Formations: Kabylie lined up in a 4‑3‑3, while Al Ahly used a 4‑2‑3‑1 system.
• Possession and Shots: Kabylie showed more attacking intent at times, but neither side could convert opportunities into goals.
• Discipline: A competitive but controlled encounter saw a few fouls and midfield battles shape the rhythm of play.

---

Key Moments

• First Half Pressure: JS Kabylie threatened early with involvement from Ryad Boudebouz and Aimen Mahious, forcing Al Ahly’s defense to stay compact.
• Midfield Battles: The midfield tussle was intense, with both Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly) and Josaphat Arthur Bada (JS Kabylie) working hard to control tempo.
• Late Substitutions: Al Ahly introduced attacking options like Hussein El Shahat later in the game as they searched for a winner, but Kabylie’s defensive resilience held firm.

---

Tactical Battle

• JS Kabylie:
  The Algerian side opted for a traditional 4‑3‑3 shape, aiming to use width and forward runs from players like Lahlou Akhrib and Billel Messaoudi. Their midfield trio, including Ryad Boudebouz, frequently looked to link play and unlock spaces.
• Al Ahly FC:
  Al Ahly’s 4‑2‑3‑1 focused on defensive stability and controlled possession through midfielders like Marwan Ateya and Aliou Dieng. Their game management reflected experience and an understanding that a point would maintain their top spot in the group with qualification already secured.

---

Key Players

Here are some of the standout performers who shaped the dynamics of the game:

JS Kabylie

• Gaya Merbah (GK): Commanded his area well and made important saves to keep the scoreline level.
• Zineddine Belaïd (CB): Anchored the backline with strong defensive positioning and clearances.
• Ryad Boudebouz (MF): Constantly involved in transitions and creative phases, driving attacking play when Kabylie had the ball.

Al Ahly FC

• Mostafa Shobeir (GK): Kept his composure under pressure and collected crosses.
• Aliou Dieng (CM): Key engine in midfield, helping Al Ahly to control possession and disrupt Kabylie’s rhythm.
• Marwan Ateya (MF): Linked play between defense and attack, though goal opportunities were limited.

Full stretch, full focus — Mostafa Shobeir preserves the clean sheet with a crucial stop.

---

Summary

The 0–0 draw between JS Kabylie and Al Ahly FC was a tight, tactical contest defined by disciplined defending and midfield control. Despite home advantage and bright moments from attacking players like Akhrib and Messaoudi, Kabylie couldn’t penetrate the Al Ahly defence. Meanwhile, the Egyptian champions managed the match with experience and game intelligence — securing the point they needed and maintaining their position at the top of Group B.