By DUNG CHUNG
Nigerian-born forward Mathias Oyewusi was on target as Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca played out a 2-2 draw against Nigeria’s El-Kanemi Warriors in an entertaining CAF Confederation Cup encounter, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg in Casablanca.
The encounter saw El-Kanemi Warriors take the lead before Raja Casablanca fought back to turn the game around, with Shararah and Oyewusi finding the net for the Moroccan side.
However, the Nigerian representatives refused to surrender, earning a late equaliser to keep their qualification hopes alive.
THE NIGERIA STANDARD reports that El-Kanemi made an encouraging start to the contest, taking the lead and putting pressure on their more illustrious opponents. The Nigerian side showed determination and attacking intent as they sought to secure an advantage before the return fixture.
Raja Casablanca responded with renewed urgency, gradually working their way back into the game. Shararah restored parity for the Moroccan side, giving them the momentum to push for a second goal as the contest became increasingly competitive.
Oyewusi subsequently found the net to put Raja ahead, underlining his importance to the Moroccan club’s attacking effort.
The Nigerian-born forward’s goal appeared to have placed the visitors in a strong position to secure victory.
However, El-Kanemi Warriors continued to press for a way back into the contest, refusing to allow Raja to dictate the closing stages.
Their persistence eventually paid off when Nnamdi Mejuobi scored in the 83rd minute to draw the Nigerian side level at 2-2.
Mejuobi’s late intervention proved crucial for El-Kanemi, denying Raja Casablanca victory and ensuring that the Nigerian side retained a realistic chance of progressing in the continental competition. The equaliser also set up an intriguing return leg between the two sides.
For Raja Casablanca, the result represents a missed opportunity to establish a clear advantage before the decisive encounter on home soil. Nevertheless, Oyewusi’s contribution provides the Moroccan giants with an attacking boost as they prepare for the next stage of the tie.
El-Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, will take confidence from their ability to recover from a deficit against a prominent North African opponent.
The Nigerian side will need to maintain their resilience and improve their overall performance if they are to overcome Raja in the return fixture.
Attention will now shift to Casablanca, where the two teams will battle for a place in the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
With the first encounter ending in a 2-2 draw, the tie remains open, leaving El-Kanemi Warriors with an opportunity to spring a surprise, while Raja Casablanca will be determined to capitalise on home advantage.