Bibiani Gold Stars endured a harsh introduction to continental football on Sunday, suffering a 2–0 home defeat to Algeria’s JS Kabylie in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Ghana Premier League champions had hoped to announce their arrival on the African stage with a statement performance, but the visitors’ experience and composure proved decisive.

JS Kabylie signaled their intent early when Aymen Mahious found the net in the eighth minute, only for the goal to be ruled offside. The Algerians kept up relentless pressure and finally broke through in the 21st minute, as Medhi Merghem calmly slotted home from close range.

Despite neat spells of possession, the Miners struggled to create clear chances in the final third. After regrouping at halftime, they emerged with renewed urgency, pressing for an equaliser, but the clinical visitors struck again. In the 70th minute, Babacar Sarr finished a flowing team move to double the advantage and silence the home crowd.

Unable to mount a late response, Bibiani Gold Stars now face an uphill battle when they travel to Algiers for the second leg next week, needing a two-goal turnaround to keep their debut continental campaign alive.