Bechem travel with 'only 14 players' for Caf Confed

Ghana FA Cup champions Bechem United arrived in Algeria on Friday with only 14 players for the Caf Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg game against MC Algers on Saturday.

The Hunters' contingent is made up of Isaac Akron as the only goalkeeper and thirteen outfield players.

Reports in the local media suggested that the club is facing financial difficulties but management member Francis Dwomo Addai has rubbished such claims, insisting that they rather made their bookings late.

"Bechem is not facing financial problems as reported. We had issues with our flight arrangements because our initial plan was to send the entire contingent on Air Maroc but we were a bit late and the flight was fully booked," Addai told Silver FM.

"We have made arrangements for the masseur and two other players including goalkeeper Lawrence Osei and Coffie Bekoe to join the team to make it 16 players in camp. They will travel on Friday night with Egyptian Air and will arrive on time to train ahead of the game. We're optimistic that we will qualify despite the setbacks because the players are mentally tough," he added.

Bechem defeated MC Algers 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium last weekend in the first leg thanks to goals from Amed 'Simba' Toure and substitute Kweku Osei Bonsu. However, they need any form of stalemate or must avoid a two-goal margin defeat to progress to the next stage of the competition.

The winner between Bechem and Alger will play the winner between Akanda FC from Gabon and DR Congo's Renaissance du Congo in the first round next month.