Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex let a crucial lead slip away as they settled for a 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
Despite taking a first-half lead at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, the Timber Giants could not maintain their advantage.
The visitors struck first in the 20th minute when Mohamed Azrida headed in a corner kick to put Raja ahead. However, Samartex responded in the 37th minute with a stunning acrobatic goal from Francis Gyetuah, levelling the score.
Building on their momentum, Samartex applied more pressure and managed to take the lead just before halftime. Striker Michael Ephson capitalised on a rebound after left-back Isaac Afful’s long-range effort was fumbled by Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti, allowing Ephson to slot in for a 2-1 advantage.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Raja Club Athletic equalised after the break through Mohamed Boulacsout, who finished off a brilliant team move, leaving the scoreline at 2-2.
🎥We are incredibly grateful for your presence and support today; thank you all for coming to rally behind us in this crucial moment.#TimberGiants pic.twitter.com/NNuwrqYTTH
— FC Samartex 2023/24 Ghana Premier League Champions (@FcSamartex1996) September 15, 2024
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg, which will be played at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca in a week.
Samartex will face a tough challenge as they look to secure a positive result on Moroccan soil to progress further in the CAF Champions League.
