One of Nigeria's representatives in the continent Benin Arsenals - Bendel Insurance - have kicked off their journey in the CAFCC with a laboured outing against ASO Chlef.
Nigeria’s FA Cup kings Bendel Insurance are off the mark for the season in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Bendel Insurance, who are also known as Benin Arsenals, began their journey in the second tier competition with a narrow win against ASO Chlef.
Imade Osarenkhoe was the star of the day as the Benin Arsenals defeated their Algerian visitors 1-0 in Edo on Saturday evening.
Benin Arsenals vs ASO Chlef
The home side had star man Osarenkhoe to thank as he saved their blushes with the decisive and only goal of the day.
In what was their first appearance in the continent in 18 years, the home side was made to work for their victory by their Algerian counterparts in the CAFCC.
The home side started on the front foot but had to wait until just before the break for the breakthrough.
The talismanic striker was at the right place and time to strike home what turned out to be the winner of a floated cross three minutes before the break.
Insurance probed for a second goal in the second half but it turned out to be a cagey affair with Chlef holding on for a slim defeat ahead of the second leg in Algiers.
Bendel Insurance will travel next week for the second leg slated for the Stade Mabrouki in Algeria.
With a narrow win, the Benin Arsenal have to be at their best to ensure Chlef do not turn the tie around around in North Africa, which has not been a happy hunting ground for Nigerian teams in the continent.
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