Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Saturday defeated the visiting AS Olympic Chlef (ASO) of Algeria by a lone goal in the first leg of the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup.
Insurance played host to the Algerian side in a continental match decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The Insurance forward, Imade Osarenkhoe scored in the 42rd minute to earn the hosts a slim victory ahead of their return leg on Aug. 27 in Algeria.
Insurance had wasted three chances within the first 30 minutes of play before Osarenkhoe connected a free kick taken by Sunday Anyanwu to give the Nigerian side the lead.
Abdurrahim Hamra of AS Chlef received the first yellow card in the match for roughly obstructed Zaidu Ayuba at the centre of the field; the foul that resulted into the goal.
Gape Mohutsiwa of the Algerian club received the second booking for rough tackle shortly before the half time.
The second half resumed with Insurance picking up from their first half performance, but were matched by the visitors who stepped up their game and became more tactical
Notwithstanding, Sarki Ismael of Insurance came close to another goal after 62 minutes, but his nod slightly went over the goal post.
Bendel Insurance will travel to Algeria for second leg to seek a consolidation if they are qualify for the second round of the competition.
In his post-match interview, Coach Monday Odigie of Insurance said his team would work on their goal scoring before the return leg
