Bendel Insurance Football Club on Thursday evening overpowered Metrice FC of Ekpoma with a 2-1 resounding victory in the Edo FA Cup semifinals clash to clinch the ticket for the final tie scheduled to hold on Sunday in Benin.
Midfield Star Divine Nwachukwu gave Insurance the lead in the 30th minute as he calmly shot from a close range to complete Raymond Ikhenoba’s assist from the right flank.
Metrice ensured that the rampaging Insurance attack led by Chukwudi Meze, Raymond Ikhenoba, Paul Obata and Divine Nwachukwu did not get another goal before the halftime whistle.
On resumption of the second half, the coach Greg Ikhenoba led Benin Arsenals immediately increased the tally as Chukwudi Meze headed home a cheap one as Metrice goalkeeper’s groaping hands gifted him the ball three minutes into the second half to make it 2-0.
Meyinwa Oritseweyimi set up the attack following his line breaking pass from the right flank which the Metrice Goalkeeper miscalculated.
The amateur side from Ekpoma however put up a good fight and later got the consolation in the 80th minute through Ita Steven .
Bendel Insurance will be defending the cup they won last year against Ine Stars who brushed aside Delight FC 4-1 in the first semifinals match earlier decided at the same Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to book the finals ticket.
The final match is scheduled to hold on Sunday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Kick-off time is 3PM.
The highly coveted FA Cup has not left the Benin Arsenal’s cabinet since 2019 and could remain with them after Sunday, March 31, 2024.
