CAFCC: FA Cup kings Benin Arsenal chase ASO Chlef out in Algiers

Bendel Insurance are through to the next round of the CAFCC. (Photo Credit: CAFOnline, Bendel Insurance/X. Collage: Pulse Sports

CAFCC: FA Cup kings Benin Arsenal chase ASO Chlef out in Algiers

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:07 - 27.08.2023

Nigerian FA Cup kings Bendel Insurance have become the first of three clubs in the continent from Nigeria to progress to the next round of the CAFCC.

Nigerian club side Bendel Insurance will continue their journey in the CAF Confederation Cup, CAFCC after a dramatic outing in Algeria. 

Insurance, also known as Benin Arsenal, inspired by goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, overcame their hosts ASO Chlef 4-3 on penalties after their clash ended 1-1 on aggregate. 

The Benin Arsenal lost the second leg tie 1-0 in Algiers but kept their calm in the shootout to book a spot in the next phase of the CAFCC. 

ASO vs Benin Arsenal: Brief

18 years after their last appearance in the continent, Bendel Insurance kicked off proceedings with a narrow win in Edo.

Arsenal fan, Imade Osarenkhoe, was the hero of the day as he netted the only goal in a 1-0 win over ASO last week in the first leg.

That result meant the Benin Arsenal travelled to Algeria for the second leg living dangerously as North Africa had proven to be a slippery ground for Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions. 

Benin Arsenal
Bendel Insurance of Nigeria. (Photo Credit: CAFonline)

ASO scare

The encounter kicked off in Algiers with the home side expectedly dominating proceedings.

Insurance faced the first scare when the referee pointed to the spot kick in favour of the home fans. 

Amas Obasogie
Bendel Insurance hero against ASO, Amas Obasogie. (Photo Credit: CAFOnline.)

However, Obasogie came to their rescue when he pulled off a superb save to keep the game tied at 0-0.

Three minutes after that fantastic stop, the home side finally found the breakthrough and took the lead, with Obasogie powerless this time.

It was the kind of scare that Insurance fans and followers had expected ahead of the clash. 

After the break, however, the Benin Arsenal, put on a brave fight to limit their hosts, with goalkeeper Obasogie in superb form.

Imade Osarenkhoe
Imade Osarenkhoe was the hero in the first leg but was caged in Algiers. (Photo Credit: Insurance/X)

The Edo State side held on to force a penalty shootout where goalkeeper, Obasogie, sealed his man-of-the-match display with another clutch save. 

ASO missed two of the spot kicks while Insurance scored four to progress to the next round. 

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