JS Kabylie left little doubt in their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal second leg against Coton Sport by taking advantage of the Cameroonian side’s tactical errors, increasing a 2-1 lead from the first leg by scoring three goals in the first half to put themselves beyond reach. The Algerian club won 5-1 on aggregate and will contest the CAFCC final in Cotonou, Benin against Raja Casablanca.
Coton Sport knew they needed goals and they played a high defensive line to push the issue on the road. However, a tactically disciplined JSK team mercilessly punished Coton Sport’s mistakes and surged out to an early lead that only grew as the opening period progressed. In the 6th minute Zakaria Bouahia was sent in behind the defense by a Mohamed Benchaira through ball and finished with a low effort past Narcisse Nlend inside the keeper’s far post.
The JSK attack had plenty to feast on as Coton Sport abandoned any attempt to maintain an organized defense, constantly getting caught out to allow JSK to attack on the break. After the visitors survived a couple more close calls, it all fully unraveled for Coton Sport. In the 35th minute a cross from Walid Bencherifa found Benchaira inside the box and his shot was blocked by a sliding defender, but the ball hit Houzaifi Youssoufa’s hand and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. JSK defender Badreddine Souyad calmly rolled in his spot kick to make it 2-0.
JSK finished off the half with one more goal to make it a rout. An accurate long ball out to the left wing was well kept in by forward Rida Bensayah to Bencherifa, who crossed low to find Bouahia. The former Atletico Madrid youth product finished past Hlend to make it a brace and 3-0 for the hosts by halftime.
There was no hope for Coton Sport to get back in the tie by halftime and the second half was more of a formality rather than a competitive affair. The Algerian side will be confident going into the final on July 10 with an excellent attacking performance to go along with the defensive prowess they have shown throughout the competition.
Highlights of JSK’s decisive victory are below.
