BY Idris Shehu
Bendel Insurance were held to a 2-2 draw by Morocco’s RS Berkane in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie.
The 2023 Federation Cup champions conceded a late goal, which denied them a crucial first-leg advantage in front of home fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on Saturday.
The Monday Odigie-led team had advanced into the second round of the qualifiers after defeating Algeria’s ASO Chief 4-3 on penalties in August.
Insurance were more direct and ruthless against Berkane, and the team stormed to a lead in the 28th minute.
Imade Osarenkhoe was alert inside the Morrocan’s goal area and poached home a rebound after Amine El-Ouaad, Berkane goalkeeper, had spilled Benjamin Tanimu’s shot.
Ten minutes later, the home side’s lead fell apart after a defensive error presented Oussama Lamlaoui with a chance he exploited.
There was little action until the teams emerged from the halftime break, and Insurance restored their lead in the 65th minute.
Vincent Augustus stabbed home from close range to cap off a slick build-up.
The away team struck back in the 83rd minute after Mohamed El Morabit’s solo run finished off a swift counterattack.
Both teams will resume their feisty contest in the second leg of the encounter billed for Berkane Municipal Stadium on September 29.
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