Bendel Insurance Football Club were forced to a 2–2 draw by RS Berkane of Morocco in the first leg of the second-round preliminary stage 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup, on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Though the 2023 Federation Cup champions Bendel Insurance displayed exceptional performance, the 2022 CAF champions RS Berkane pulled off a draw despite grieving in their home country, Morocco, following a devastating earthquake, penultimate Friday, in which over 3,000 persons lost their lives, and still counting with several injured.
Recall that Insurance had advanced into the second round of the qualifiers after defeating Algeria’s ASO Chief 4-3 on penalties in August.
Insurance goalkeeper, Amas saved two attempts at goal from RS Berkane 18 minutes into the highly contested encounter.
A 22nd-minute free kick was awarded to Insurance but could not be converted. Yet another free kick was awarded to Monday Odigie’s side in the 23rd minute and was again wasted.
However, offensive arrowhead, Imade Osarenkhoe scored the Insurance’s first goal, breaking out of a melee in the 29th minute of the first half.
RS Barkane equalized in a spirited rebound in the 38th minute, despite an impressive effort by Insurance goalminder, Amas to thwart their efforts.
Commendations were reeled out across the stands to the fair officiating of the centre referee in the match which saw both sides flashed a yellow card.
The first half witnessed an addition of two extra minutes following 45 minutes of regulation time. The second half started at 5:06pm and immediately, a free kick was awarded to Insurance and Obata was unable to translate it to the back of the RS Barkane net.
On 61 minutes of play, Bendel Insurance’s Vincent Augustus scored the second goal, putting his team in the lead once again.
RS Barkane again levelled up the score line in the 79th minute by No 10 Jersey, Mohamed El Morabit. The match ended 2-2 at the end of five additional minutes granted in the second half.
In the post-match press brief, Bendel Insurance Coach Monday Odigie vowed to defend the pride of the club as his team continues in the battle for the group stage of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup in Morocco.
Coach Odigie further expressed the optimism of a better result in the second leg match, noting that his team’s performance was his priority.
He added that playing well against a tactically disciplined and experienced 2022 CAF champions RS Barkarne of Morocco is enough consolation.
“It is not over yet. We will go back to work. I keep telling people, that football is about participation, not always about winning at home. If you don’t play well, even in your bedroom, opponents can beat you there. I think we should appreciate the performance of our team. If we want to remain in the competition, we must go and fight for it. We are going to defend the pride of Bendel Insurance in Morocco,” Odigie stressed
In his reaction, RS Berkane Coach LKarma Amine remarked that his team did a good job.
“We did a good job and I am satisfied with the result,” he said.
The reverse fixture will take place on September 29, as RS Barkane host Bendel Insurance at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.
