BENIN CITY – Bendel Insurance FC of Benin showed strength and character against the Apex Krane of Agbor as they laboured to a 2-2 draw to share the spoils.
The Benin Arsenals took the lead in the 38th minute of the game against their host after Apex Krane’s defence and Goalkeeper, Pibowei Amabetare were caught knapping by Insurance energetic Sarki Ismael who completed Ojo Tolulope’s effort to calmly drop the ball into the net.
The jubilant Insurance were yet to return from celebration when their goalkeeper’s mistake gave the host a penalty kick which they converted to level up before the break.
The rainfall that almost threatened the game later became a blessing in disguise as it naturally watered the grassless and dusty Agbor Township Stadium field for the good of both teams.
On second half resumption, the Coach Tosan Bob Blankson’s Kranes looked to have come into the game with a special game plan to force more penalties on their opponents as they continued the trick until they got what they wanted in the 75th minute when Othunke Egbo make it 2-1 against Insurance,following his spot kick
The match officials had ruled some of the tricks out for diving to the disappointment of their fans who had shouted: “yes it is PK. It must be three PK here today”.
Insurance remained determined in spite of the two penalties as they continued to press on. In the 83rd minutes, Kenneth Edozue directed Zeidu Ayuba’s free kick into the net to help Insurance picked the important away point.
Insurance will be hosting their group leaders Remo Stars in Benin on Wednesday.
Speaking after the game, the chief coach of Bendel Insurance Benard Ogbe said he picks the positives of the game and will work on areas of mistakes so as to improve his side while Bob Blankson in his separate reaction expressed disappointment in his boys who according to him lost concentration despite the two penalties awarded them.
