Nsoatreman FC faced a tough challenge at the Accra Sports Stadium, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Algerian side CS Constantine in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round on Friday.

Despite starting with promise, the Ghanaian FA Cup champions struggled to match the pace and precision of their North African opponents. Early in the game, Kwabena Adu Meider had a golden opportunity to put Nsoatreman ahead in the 7th minute, but his close-range effort narrowly missed the target, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

CS Constantine soon took control of the match. In the 12th minute, striker Zakaria Benchaa opened the scoring with a stunning solo effort.

Picking up the ball near the centre circle, Benchaa wove through Nsoatreman's defence and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Benchaa doubled Constantine's lead in the 27th minute, finishing off another impressive move to leave the Ghanaian side trailing by two goals before half-time.

Although Nsoatreman showed more determination in the second half, creating several scoring opportunities, they were unable to convert their chances.

The team now faces an uphill battle as they travel to Algeria for the second leg at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium next Sunday, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit to keep their continental dreams alive.

The winner of the tie will secure a place in the group stage of the competition, making the return fixture crucial for Nsoatreman’s hopes of advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup.