2024/25 Caf CC: Nsoatreman slumps against Constantine as Benchaa brace puts Algerians two goals ahead

Nsoatreman FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Algerian side CS Constantine in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

The match, played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday afternoon, saw the Ghanaian FA Cup champions struggle to keep up with their North African visitors and have a tough task ahead in the second leg.

Nsoatreman started brightly, with Kwabena Adu Meider coming close to giving the hosts an early lead the forward missed the post by inches.

CS Constantine took over and striker Zakaria Benchaa broke the deadlock with a stunning solo effort.

After collecting the ball near the halfway line, Benchaa surged through Nsoatreman’s defense and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Benchaa struck again in the 27th minute, extending Constantine’s lead with another composed finish, giving the Algerians a 2-0 cushion before halftime.

An improved display by Nsoatreman in the second half could still not reduce the deficit as the game ended with two goals in favour of the Algerians.

Nsoatreman will now need to overturn the two-goal deficit when they travel to Algeria for the second leg at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium next Sunday.

The winner of the tie qualifies for the group stages of the Confederation Cup.