Bendel Insurance Football Club,were on Saturday evening forced to a 2-2 draw by visiting Plateau Utd in a match day 32 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL),played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
The visiting Plateau United snatched a late equaliser through Vincent Temitope’s penalty kick in the 93rd minute of the game,when the hosts were already waiting for the final whistle to keep 2-1 victory.
Plateau Utd striker looked to have been tripped in the box by Insurance FC goalkeeper Joshua Baba and the Center Referee immediately penalized the player for suspected simulation but changed his decision afterwards and awarded him the spot kick which was well converted by Temitope.
The Benin Arsenals took the lead 14 minutes into the game through their fast rising striker Alex Oweifaleya . Alex calmly struck from the arch of the box area after receiving a through pass from Chinedu Nwosu.
As the battle raged with the host having a better share of possession and attack,
Gideon Monday sneaked into Insurance area and jabbed in a soft touch to give coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s side an equalizer in the 41st minute.
in the second half, Insurance FC came out better and took the battle to the visitors’ gate and the pressure profited them in the 58th minute when a penalty kick was awarded to them from a hand ball by Plateau Utd defender in the box.The spot kick was well converted by Kayode Oke a minute later to restore Insurance lead.
The late penalty kick converted by Vincent Temitope in the 93rd minute stole the joy of the home fans and Kennedy Boboye’s side with the dramatic end of the game sparking heavy debate. Plateau Utd and Bendel Insurance FC first round meeting ended 1-0 in favour of Plateau Utd in Jos last year.
Recall that Insurance FC and Warri Wolves played out a barren draw in the match day 31 in Ozoro on Sunday .
The Benin Arsenals now have 46 points and remained 7th on the league table as they will be on the road to Kano next week to honour the NPFL match day 33 fixture with Kano Pillars.
