El Kanemi Warriors hopes of reaching the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage were dashed after two late goals handed Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic a 2-0 victory in Casablanca on Friday, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerian side, who held Raja to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Ikenne, were left heartbroken as two late goals condemned them to a 4-2 aggregate defeat and ended their hopes of reaching the competition’s group stage.
With a goalless draw enough to secure qualification, Raja struggled to find a breakthrough for much of the encounter as El Kanemi Warriors held firm against the Moroccan hosts.
However, the visitors resistance was broken in the 88th minute when Aymen Barkok stepped up to convert a superb free-kick, handing Raja the lead and putting the hosts firmly in control of the tie.
Portuguese defender Marian Huja then struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory and complete a disappointing evening for the Nigerian representatives.
El Kanemi Warriors had given themselves a fighting chance after the first-leg draw in Ikenne but could not withstand Raja’s late pressure in Casablanca.
For Raja, the victory secures a place in the group stage as the two-time Confederation Cup champions continue their quest for a third title.
El Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, must turn their attention back to domestic football following their exit from continental competition.
