The Gambia Armed Forces hope of progressing to the second stage of the CAF African Champions League was dealt a massive blow after they succumbed to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to their Algerian counterparts Jeaunesse Sportive De Kabylie in the first-leg of CAF champions league encounter, at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Saturday.
The Algerian Championsstunned Armed Forces with two powerful strikes, thanks to goals from attacking-duo Itemeti Fares and Aoudia M. Anime, in the 47th and 56th minutes, respectively to put their champions league hope alive.
Armed Forces that finished the last year's GFA league season on a high spirit started poorly with some embarrassing performances from stars like Landing Darbo (Delpiero), Lamin Colley, Modou Gaye and the rest of the team-mates. Even the introduction of stars, such as Buba Sama, Lamarana Jallow could not prevent the Khaki boys from conceding a disappointing 2-1score line as they continued to falter to the disappointment of an impressive crowd at the country?s biggest football arena.
JS Kabylie right back Bellkalim Essaid has given Armed Forces a one goal advantage going into the second-leg at home to the Algerian champions after scoring an own goal in the 73rd minute, as a result of a terrible mistake following a back-pass.
The Head Coach of the losing side, Alagie Sey who spoke to crowded journalists remain positive about his side?s chance of overturning their 2-1 disadvantage when he travelled with the team to rub shoulders with JS Kabylie for the return-leg in Algiers in two-weeks time.
The Head Coach of JS Kabylie, who spoke to reporters in French shortly after leading his team to a deserved 2-1 victory said good preparation was one of the contributing factors for his side's success. He is hopeful of finishing the job when they host Armed Forces in two weeks time.
