By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani Goldstars have been paired with Algerian giants JS Kabylie in the first preliminary round of the 2025–2026 CAF Champions League.
This marks an exciting milestone for Goldstars, as they prepare to make their debut in Africa’s premier club competition following their historic league triumph secured on the final day of the season.
The two-legged tie will commence with the first leg hosted by Bibiani Goldstars in Kumasi between September 19 and 21.
The Ghanaian champions will aim to capitalize on home advantage to build a strong foundation before traveling to Algeria for the return leg, scheduled for September 26 to 28.
Both teams will be eager to secure progression to the next stage in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. JS Kabylie come into the tie as a formidable opponent, having finished as runners-up in the 2024/25 Algerian League season, just two points behind champions MC Alger.
Their experience in continental competitions will test the resolve and quality of the Ghanaian side, making the away leg critical for Bibiani Goldstars as they seek to defy expectations.
The winner of this preliminary round will advance to face either Sierra Leone’s East End Lions or Tunisia’s Monastir in the second preliminary round, keeping their hopes alive to reach the lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions League.
For Bibiani Goldstars, this is an unparalleled opportunity to announce themselves on the continental stage and build on their growing domestic success.
The competition timeline sees subsequent rounds intensifying with the second preliminary legs scheduled for mid to late October, followed by the group stage kickoff on November 21, 2025.
The knockout phase is set to begin in March 2026, setting the stage for an enthralling journey for clubs across Africa, including the ambitious Ghanaian champions.
