EROMOSELE OMOIKE
Bendel Insurance FC of Benin experienced a moment of triumph in the CAF Confederations Cup over the weekend. After a tightly contested two-legged tie against ASO Chlef FC of Algeria, the Benin-based side secured their place in the next stage of the competition.
Following a 1-1 aggregate score, Insurance overcame ASO Chlef in a penalty shootout, emerging victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.
Meanwhile, in the CAF Champions League, Ghanaian side, Medeama SC, emerged victorious after a tense penalty shootout against Nigeria’s Remo Stars, securing their passage to the next round of the competition.
The clash took place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, and despite Remo Stars’ efforts, it was Medeama who clinched a 3-2 victory on penalties, silencing the home fans.
Medeama’s triumph followed their 1-0 win over Remo Stars in the first-leg game in Ghana. The closely contested encounter in Nigeria saw the Stars overcoming their Ghanaian opponents by the same margin, with both teams locked in a 1-1 draw over two legs, leaving the aggregate score level.
With the spot-kick drama ultimately favouring Medeama, they advanced to the next phase of Africa’s premier club tournament.
Nigeria’s other representatives in the competition, the Elephants of Aba and reigning NPFL Champions, Enyimba FC, who were seeking to add to their previous triumphs in the competition, equally failed in their quest, as they were eliminated from the tournament.
Facing Libyan outfit, Al Ahli Benghazi, Enyimba needed a two-goal advantage to progress after a 3-4 defeat in the first leg.
However, despite their best efforts, Enyimba was unable to break the deadlock in the return leg at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, Abia State, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. The game ended in a goalless draw after regulation time.
This unexpected exit marked a significant setback for Enyimba, as it was the first time since 2015 that they were eliminated in the preliminary round of a competition they have previously won twice.
The disappointing outcome underscored the competitive nature of African football and the challenges faced by even the most decorated clubs.
