The Nigerian FA Cup holders fight back late after Raja turn the game around, leaving their CAF Confederation Cup qualifying tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Morocco.
El-Kanemi Warriors fought back to secure a 2–2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their second-round CAF Confederation Cup qualifying tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Sunday.
The Nigerian side took an early lead but were forced to recover after Raja scored twice to move ahead. Nnamdi Mejuobi’s late equaliser ensured El-Kanemi avoided defeat at home and kept their hopes of reaching the competition’s group stage alive.
El-Kanemi opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Raja restored parity through Mohammed Abu Zrayq, popularly known as Shararah, in the 23rd minute.
The teams went into half-time level at 1–1, but Raja took control of the tie in the 61st minute when Nigerian-born forward Mathias Kehinde Oyewusi scored to give the visitors a 2–1 advantage.
With Raja appearing poised to leave Nigeria with a first-leg victory, El-Kanemi pushed for a response and were rewarded when Mejuobi struck in the 82nd minute to make it 2–2.
Raja’s Isaac Zidani was also sent off during the encounter, leaving the Moroccan side with 10 men as the contest reached its conclusion.
The closing stages were affected by heavy rainfall, which made the playing surface difficult for both teams, according to Morocco’s SNRT News.
The draw leaves the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg, scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.
Raja will have home advantage in the decisive encounter as they seek to secure progression, while El-Kanemi must produce another strong performance away from home to eliminate one of the continent’s established clubs.
The Warriors’ late response gives the Nigerian side renewed hope, but the tie remains unresolved, with a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage at stake.
Leave feedback about this