CAF CC: Bendel Insurance left to walk on tightrope after home draw with RS Berkane

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Bendel Insurance has a tough route in the CAF Confederation Cup after playing out a 2-2 draw with Moroccan side, RS Berkane in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Saturday.

Imade Osarenkhoe had put the 2023 Nigeria Federation Cup (FA Cup) winner ahead in the 28th minute at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.

Oussama Lamlioui equalized for the former Confederation Cup champions in the 42nd minute.

On the hour mark, Paul Obata restored Monday Odigie’s side lead. The Moroccans equalised for the second time seven minutes before the end of the encounter thanks to a goal from Mohamed El Morabit.

Insurance faces a tightrope in the return leg at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on October 1.

They need an outright win or another 2-2 to take the tie into penalties.

RS Berkane were responsible for the ouster of another Nigerian side, Kwara United last season and has two precious away goals heading into the return leg.