Nsoatreman FC, reigning FA Cup champions, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Algerian club CS Constantine in the CAF Confederation Cup’s second preliminary round. The loss, in the first leg at Accra Sports Stadium on September 13, 2024, puts the club’s chances of advancing to the group stages at serious risk, potentially costing them significant financial rewards.
Advancing to the group stage, often referred to as the “money zone,” comes with lucrative prize money and commercial opportunities. However, Nsoatreman now faces the daunting challenge of overturning a two-goal deficit in the return leg at Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Algeria on September 21.
Despite a stronger second-half performance, the club failed to capitalize on key opportunities, with CS Constantine’s defense remaining unyielding. Striker Zakaria Benchaa led the Algerian side, scoring twice in the first half, in the 12th and 27th minutes, putting Nsoatreman under pressure for the second leg.
Nsoatreman’s financial and competitive future in the CAF Confederation Cup hangs in the balance, as failure to advance will add strain to the club’s ambitions. A comeback win on aggregate is now critical for the club’s hopes of progressing to the prestigious group stage and securing the associated financial benefits.
