Fed Cup: Champions Insurance beat Stormers to advance
On Wednesday, defending champions Bendel Insurance of Benin defeated Stormers Sports Club of Abeokuta 1-0 to advance to the round of 32 of the 2024 Federation Cup.
The Benin Arsenals' only goal came in the 61st minute, scored by Chukwudi Meze. Substitute Paul Obata assisted the lanky attacker, who deftly tapped home to give his team the lead.
The first half went goalless, with Insurance strikers wasting many scoring opportunities on the Area 3 field in Abuja.
Insurance was fortunate not to fall behind in the 18th minute when goalkeeper Joshua Baba wandered outside of his 18-yard box, leaving an open net for a Stormers striker, who shot wide when the easiest thing was to score.
The Benin Arsenals, who defeated Rangers 1-0 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba to claim the 2023 title, now await their next opponents in the round of 32.
The story was different for Edo State FA Cup runners-up Ine Stars of Benin, who were defeated 2-1 by Kebbi United at the same stadium in the first match of the day.
