JS Kabylie defeated Cotonsport FC in the first leg of the 2021 CAF Confederation Cup semifinal match at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua on Sunday evening.
The two teams will meet in the second-leg at the Stade du 1er Novembre 1954 in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria on June 27 in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals.
Algeria’s Kabylie dominated possession to start things off. However, it was the Cameroonian giants Cotonsport, who broke the deadlock. They scored a nice goal in the 29th minute for the lead.
Lambert Araina headed home Sibiri Sanou’s free-kick to make it 1-0 to Cotonsport. This was his seventh goal in this season’s tournament.
The visitors then surged forward as they looked to find the equaliser. They thought they had done so just 10 minutes later thanks to Malick Raiah. But the goal was disallowed for offside.
However, Kabylie kept pushing forward and managed to eventually find the leveller. Ahmed Kerroum scored from close range to make it 1-1 in first-half stoppage time with Ahmed Ait Abdessalem grabbing the assist.
An entertaining affair
Coton came out strong as they launched attacks after the restart. In attempts to restore their lead, Felix Tchuente’s goal-bound effort was blocked in the box in the 50th minute.
Kabylie then took control of the game once again after the hour-mark and went 2-1 up in the 62nd minute. Pierre Etame netted an own goal that handed the visitors the lead and a crucial second away goal.
Denis Lavagne’s side continued to attack after taking the lead with Mohamed Benchaira forcing goalkeeper Narcisse Nlend to pull off a fantastic save with 15 minutes left on the clock.
JS Kabylie now go back home with an advantage and two away goals. They are very much in the driver’s seat as they hope to clinch a spot in the 2021 CAF Confederation Cup final.
