Holding a slender advantage from the opening fixture, JS Saoura failed to protect their lead, falling apart in the closing minutes in Conakry during the first knockout round of the Champions League. In their third appearance in the prestigious African tournament, following campaigns in 2017 and 2019, the Bechar outfit drew a blank, echoing their initial venture when they were eliminated at the first hurdle by Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers—the very side Mouloudia d’Alger will encounter in the upcoming round.
Nevertheless, the Yellows held the upper hand against Guinea’s Horoya, having secured a 1-0 victory ten days ago in Oran through an Oussama Bentaleb strike in the 44th minute. On Monday, the Algerian squad conceded early in the 17th minute via a penalty following an avoidable foul by goalkeeper Salhi. Haddouche managed to restore parity in the 72nd minute, a result that seemed enough to seal passage, yet events took a chaotic turn.
During stoppage time, Lotfi Boudraa’s men crumbled, conceding a second goal when a shot deflected off a Saoura player in the 90th minute; even so, the away goal rule still favored their advance to the next stage. However, despite missing two clear one-on-one opportunities against the opposing goalkeeper, JSS unravelled completely, conceding again in the 92nd minute as Salif Coulibaly headed home past a passive defense.
The result sealed a 3-1 defeat in Conakry against a Guinean side finally permitted to play on home turf after years of unapproved national venues. Saoura likewise contends with hosting international fixtures over 800 kilometers from their home base while awaiting the completion of their new arena.