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Samartex Held to 2-2 Draw by Raja Casablanca in CAF Champions League Clash
Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 played out an exciting 2-2 draw against 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 a lead just before halftime, Samartex couldn’t hold on to secure a win.
Early in the match, Samartex goalkeeper Kofi Baah made a crucial save in the 3rd minute, denying Adam Ennaffati’s powerful shot from the edge of the box. However, the visitors struck first in the 20th minute when Mohamed Azrida headed in from a corner to put Raja ahead.
The Timber Giants responded strongly, with Francis Gyetuah scoring an acrobatic equalizer in the 37th minute. Samartex maintained their momentum, and just before halftime, striker Michael Ephson pounced on a rebound to give the home side a 2-1 lead. His goal came after left-back Isaac Afful’s long-range strike forced Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti into a fumble.
Raja leveled the score early in the second half, with Mohamed Boulacsout finishing a well-worked team move to make it 2-2. The draw leaves the contest finely balanced ahead of the second leg, which will be held at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca next week.
Source:locotvgh.com