El-Kanemi Warriors will head to Morocco needing a strong performance to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup after surrendering the lead twice in a 2-2 draw against Raja Club Athletic in Sunday’s second preliminary-round first leg, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerian FA Cup holders were unable to capitalise on their designated home fixture at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as Raja fought back from an early setback before the hosts rescued a draw eight minutes from time.
Nigerian forward Mathias Kehinde Oyewusi proved influential for the visitors, contributing an assist and scoring the goal that put the Moroccan side ahead in the second half.
The result leaves the tie unresolved ahead of Friday’s return fixture in Casablanca, where El-Kanemi must negotiate a difficult away assignment to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.
El-Kanemi make bright start before Raja respond
Making their first continental appearance in 33 years, El-Kanemi showed little sign of being overwhelmed by the occasion, breaking the deadlock just six minutes into the encounter.
The early goal gave the Nigerian side a promising platform against one of Morocco’s most established clubs, but Raja gradually settled into the contest and restored parity in the 24th minute.
Mohammad Abu Zrayq found the net after Oyewusi provided the assist, shifting the momentum towards the visitors and underlining the threat they posed in attack.
El-Kanemi continued to compete, but neither side could find another goal before the interval, leaving the contest finely balanced at half-time.
Oyewusi puts Raja ahead
Raja emerged with greater purpose after the break and completed their turnaround in the 60th minute, with Oyewusi getting on the scoresheet against his compatriots.
The Nigerian forward, who joined the Casablanca club from French side Valenciennes, demonstrated his influence on the contest by contributing directly to both of Raja’s goals.
His performance left El-Kanemi facing the prospect of defeat in a fixture in which they had hoped to establish an advantage before travelling to Morocco.
However, the Warriors continued to push forward and eventually found an equaliser in the 82nd minute, restoring parity and preventing Raja from taking a first-leg lead into the return encounter.
The late goal ensured the Nigerian side avoided defeat, although the draw means they will have to settle the tie away from home.
Neutral venue denies Warriors familiar surroundings
Although El-Kanemi were the designated home team, Sunday’s match took place in Ikenne rather than Maiduguri, their traditional base.
The change followed the Confederation of African Football’s decision that the club’s home ground did not meet the required standards for continental competition.
Consequently, the Warriors had to play a crucial continental fixture away from their usual surroundings, with the unfamiliar setting potentially limiting the benefits normally associated with home advantage.
Despite those circumstances, El-Kanemi scored twice against experienced opposition. Nevertheless, conceding twice will provide areas for the coaching staff to examine before the decisive return leg.
Previous victory over UDIB secured second-round place
El-Kanemi reached the second preliminary round after overcoming Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB 3-1 on aggregate.
The Nigerian side established a strong position with a 3-0 victory in the first leg before losing the return encounter 1-0. Their advantage from the opening match proved sufficient to secure progression.
The meeting with Raja represents a significant test of the Warriors’ continental ambitions, with the Moroccan club bringing considerable experience to the tie.
Raja received a bye in the opening round and entered the second preliminary stage without having to negotiate a two-legged fixture, unlike their Nigerian opponents.
Raja’s continental pedigree poses major challenge
Raja are among Morocco’s most prominent clubs and have won the CAF Confederation Cup twice, lifting the trophy in 2018 and 2021.
Their continental pedigree makes them a formidable opponent for El-Kanemi, particularly with the decisive encounter scheduled to take place in Casablanca.
Although Raja failed to secure victory in Nigeria, scoring twice away from home leaves them well placed to approach the return fixture with confidence.
El-Kanemi, meanwhile, must find a way to contain the Moroccan side’s attacking threat while remaining dangerous enough to challenge for victory.
Casablanca showdown to determine qualification
The two teams will meet again at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Friday, October 23, with progression to the next stage at stake.
El-Kanemi will need greater defensive discipline and composure in possession if they are to withstand the pressure of playing in front of Raja’s home supporters. Their ability to convert attacking opportunities could also prove decisive.
For the Warriors, advancing against a club of Raja’s stature would represent a significant achievement as they seek to make their return to continental football count.
However, the 2-2 draw means they have yet to gain a decisive advantage, and their fate will now be determined in Morocco.
