Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite securing a lead before halftime, Samartex couldn’t hold onto their advantage.
The match began with a crucial save by Samartex goalkeeper Kofi Baah just three minutes in, denying Adam Ennaffati’s powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Raja took the lead in the 20th minute when Mohamed Azrida rose to head in a corner, putting the visitors ahead.
The Timber Giants bounced back in the 37th minute, with Francis Gyetuah scoring a spectacular acrobatic goal to level the game.
Samartex kept up the pressure, and just before the halftime whistle, striker Michael Ephson seized on a rebound to give his team a 2-1 advantage. This goal came after left-back Isaac Afful launched a long-range shot, forcing Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti into a fumble, allowing Ephson to slot in the rebound.
However, Raja equalized early in the second half through Mohamed Boulacsout, who finished off a well-worked team move.
The 2-2 result leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the second leg, which will take place at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca next week.
