Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef is the announcement by the Benin Arsenal of the return to the African stage. Bendel Insurance has been in the doldrums of Nigerian and African football, but last season was massive for them as they returned to the reckoning.
The Monday Odigie-led lads performed a fantastic feat last term by going on a record 21-game unbeaten run. Their run in the league faltered when it mattered, but they were able to bounce back and clinch a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.
Continental football returns to the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef. Bendel Insurance booked their place in the competition courtesy of a 1-0 win against Enugu Rangers in the Federation Cup final.
Safest hands – @Amasobasogie1 has a message for the fans ahead of tomorrow's match.#CAFCC#BINASC
Adaaaaaaaa BENDEL! pic.twitter.com/VB7ZSVWZDR
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) August 18, 2023
The Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef should bring thrills, frills and quality football. The North Africans are wily customers and understand how to play on the continent. Despite the reputation that follows North African teams, ASO Chlef is no Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca or Esperance du Tunis. Their record on the continent is not intimidating, as their best continental run has been reaching the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2007.
Is that enough for the Benin Arsenal to take them lightly? No. Monday Odigie is an experienced coach and knows how difficult North African teams can be.
With the governor of Edo state – Godwin Obaseki, in tow to watch the Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef tie, the lads know they must bring their A-game.
A lot rests on striker Imade Osarenkhoe. He was the top scorer for the side last term. Divine Nwachukwu will need to be at his best to open up the channels for Imade to operate.
Insurance should also be wary of Souibaah. Souibaah was the top scorer for the North Africans in the Algerian Ligue 1 last season with 13 goals.
Coach Amrani knows it will not be a walk in the park for his wards.
Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef probable lineups
Bendel Insurance
Amos Obasogie, Benjamin Tanumu, Sunday Anyanwu, Efe Enabulele, Julius Emiloju, Sodje Stephens, Divine Nwachukwu, Zaidu Ayuba, Vincent Augustus, Imade Osarenkhoe, Ismael Sarki
ASO Chlef
M. Alaouchiche, A. Debbari, T. Addadi, A. Hamra, F. Achour, A. Abada, A. Boussaid, A. Zenasni, J. Aguieb, M. Souibaah, Y. Aliane
Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef confirmed lineups
*Confirmed lineups will be added when they're released.
Prediction 1 – Bendel Insurance win
The Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef will be an acid test for the Benin Arsenal. They are returning to the competition after many years of layoff. They will enjoy massive support from their fans, who hope they advance to the next stage. Insurance has found goals hard to come by in recent months. The trend may continue against ASO Chlef.
Prediction 2 – Over 2.5 goals
After struggling for goals, ASO Chlef bounced back with a fury. They scored eight goals in their last three league games, an average of 2.5 goals per game. If Bendel Insurance finds its rhythm, then there will be goals aplenty.
Score prediction: 2-2 or 3-1.
Bendel Insurance recent form
Towards the end of the season, Bendel Insurance dipped. In the NPFL Super Six, they failed to win any match. They managed three draws and two losses. However, they were able to win their Federation Cup final against Enugu Rangers. The NPFL season will kick off in September (barring any late-minute change), which means Bendel Insurance may be rusty.
They had one win, three draws and two losses.
ASO Chlef recent form
The Algerian side ASO Chlef was in better form. The Chlef-based side bounced back from two losses to record three straight wins in their last five games. However, they have the disadvantage of not playing any competitive matches. The Algerian Ligue 1 starts on September 15.
In their final six games (league and Cup), ASO Chlef, who finished seventh in the league and won the Algeria Cup, has four wins and two losses.
Where to watch Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef?
SuperSport and StarTimes have the rights to the CAF Confederation Cup and may air the matches. It is still unclear whether the games will be on TV.
The broadcasters are:
- SuperSport – The sports media giants have the rights to selected CAF Confederation Cup matches. It is unsure if they would air the Bendel Insurance vs ASO Chlef game.
- StarTimes – Despite obtaining the rights for the Sub-Saharan region, StarTimes has not included it in their schedule for the day.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
