Samartex surrender lead to draw 2-2 with Raja Casablanca in CAF Champions League thriller
Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 were held to a 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 taking the lead before halftime, Samartex were unable to maintain their advantage.Early in the match, Samartex goalkeeper Kofi Baah made a crucial save just three minutes in, stopping Adam Ennaffatis shot from the edge of the box.However, the visitors took the lead in the 20th minute when Mohamed Azrida headed in a corner kick.The Timber Giants responded in the 37th minute with Francis Gyetuah scoring a stunning acrobatic goal to equalize.Samartex’s pressure continued, and just before halftime, striker Michael Ephson capitalized on a rebound to give the home side a 2-1 lead.His goal came after left-back Isaac Afful unleashed a long-range effort, forcing Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti into a fumble, allowing Ephson to slot in the rebound.However, Raja pulled level early in the second half through Mohamed Boulacsout, who finished off a brilliant team move.The 2-2 draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg, which will be played at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca in a week’s time.
