By USMAN ALIYU

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Saturday defeated the visiting AS Olympic Chlef 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.

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 glaring chances within the first 30 minutes of play before Osarenkhoe connected Sunday Anyanwus free kick to give the Nigerian side a lead.

Abdurrahim Hamra of AS Chlef received the first yellow card in the match for rough tackling Zaidu Ayuba at the centre circle, earning the spot kick that resulted in 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 cross bar.

Bendel Insurance will travel to Algeria for second leg to seek a consolidation, to 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. (NAN)