Ahli have suffered their first defeat in Algeria since 1988 after losing 1-0 at JS Kabylie in a bad-tempered Champions League clash that witnessed an ugly brawl towards the end.

The Red Devils appeared to have snatched a valuable equalizer when substitute Mohamed Shawky, who made his first competitive appearance after rejoining the club in the close season, struck home with four minutes remaining.

His goal was correctly ruled out for offside but a free-for-all erupted afterwards between Ahli players and the stadium’s security personnel, with punches and kicks flying from both sides for no apparent reason.

Some Kabylie players were also involved in the unfortunate incident just before the stoppage time.

JS Kabile Goal

Al Ahly Goal and the Fight after:

The match, which was preceded by an attack on Ahli’s bus on Saturday night by some Algerian supporters, was halted for around eight minutes.

Defender Mohamed Khoutir-Ziti scored Kabylie’s winner in the 24th minute after capitalizing on a recurring defensive lapse.

Ahli’s last defeat in Algeria was 22 years ago when they lost 2-0 to ES Setif in the semi final of Africa’s premier club competition.

With three matches remaining, Kabylie, who did not concede any goal in three games, are in pole position to book a last-four berth as they top Group B with maximum nine points.

Ahli lie second on four points, one ahead of bitter rivals and compatriots Ismaili who revived their hopes of reaching the semi final after defeating Nigeria’s Heartland 1-0 earlier in the day.