Benin Republic secured a 1-0 win over Nigeria in the first leg CHAN qualifier played in Cotonou on Sunday evening.
CHAN Eagles’ Afeez Aremu committed a foul in the 89th minute. That gifted Benin Republic a late penalty which they converted to beat Nigeria by a lone goal in the first leg clash.
The Beninoise began the game stronger. But despite their early domination, they hardly created any real chances to hurt the Super Eagles B team.
As the Nigeria team settled into the game, they did try to hurt their host but it was fruitless as the first half ended in a barren draw.
Nigeria seized the initiative in the second half but they also failed to bury the chances they created.
While it was looking like the game will end in a stalemate, a foul in the 89th minute from Aremu who lost possession and in his bid to regain the ball, brought down a Benin player resulted in a penalty kick.
The Francophone country made the most of the late chance as CHAN Eagles skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was well beaten from the spot and the game ended 1-0 in favour of Benin Republic.
The CHAN Eagles will hope to turn the table in the second leg, which comes up next weekend in Kano.
