‘Benin Arsenal’ Bendel Insurance will now need a better result in Morocco in the reverse tie to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after they were forced to a 2-2 draw at home by RS Berkane in a second round clash today.
Star striker Imade Osarenkloe put Insurance in front after 28 minutes of action.
However, the North Africans drew level on 39 minutes through Hamza Moussaoui.
The home team regained the lead on the hour when substitute Vincent Augustus found the back of the net.
But to the disappointment of the fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, RS Berkane restored parity through Mohamed Mourabt in the 78th minute.
The reverse tie will be played in a fortnight with the overall winners advancing to the money-spinning group phase of the competition.
Bendel Insurance 2 (Imade Osarenkloe 28, Vincent Augustus 60) RS Berkane 2 (Hamza Moussaoui 39, Mohamed Mourabt 78)