Nigerian FA Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors face a difficult task in the return leg after playing out a 2-2 draw with Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round tie.
The match, played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, saw the Nigerian side make an impressive start with an early goal before Raja Casablanca fought back to take control of the encounter.
Nigerian striker Mathias Kehinde Oyewusi proved instrumental for the Moroccan side, scoring a goal and providing an assist to help Raja recover from their early setback.
El-Kanemi Warriors, however, showed resilience in the second half, rallying late to secure an equaliser and keep their hopes of progressing in the continental competition alive.
Despite the draw, Raja Casablanca will take confidence into the return fixture, having scored twice away from home.
Both teams will meet again in Casablanca on October 23, with El-Kanemi needing a strong performance to advance to the next stage.
The Nigerian club, whose best continental achievement was reaching the semi-finals of the former African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993, will be hoping to overcome the challenge and move closer to securing a place in the Confederation Cup group stage.
