MC Alger defeated Ghana FA Cup champions Bechem United 4-1 in the second leg of the Caf Confederations Cup preliminary stage on Sunday to qualify to the next round on a 5-3 aggregate.
Prior to the game, Bechem's preparation was dealt a big blow when they arrived in Algeria with only fourteen players. Their contingent was made up of Isaac Akron as the only goalkeeper and thirteen outfield players but, first choice shot-stopper Lawrence Osei joined the team few hours to kick off and he was handed a starting role by coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.
The hosts began the game on a high note which paid off immediately when Mohammed Seguer latched onto a pass from his teammate and sent his effort past goalkeeper Osei in the second minute.
The goal unsettled the Ghanaian side and despite resorting to counter attack, Abderrahmane Hachoud made it 2-0 five minutes before the break.
Alger maintained a high-intensity game plan but Bechem eventually gained a foothold after the interval, scoring through Akwasi Acheampong on the hour-mark. The defender's initial shot was blocked by Algers goalkeeper but he slotted in the rebound.
Despite the goal conceded, Alger were relentless in their push but efforts from Kasem Medhi, Seguer and Hachoud were denied by goalkeeper Osei.
Hachoud powered the North Africans’ lead to 3-1 from the spot with six minutes to fulltime.
Acheampong was given his marching orders on 88th minute after he brought down his marker in the box, with Zakaria Mansouri transforming the resulting penalty to seal the final outcome at 4-1.
Alger will lock horns with DR Congo's Renaissance du Congo in the first round next month.
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