Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 were held to a 2-2 draw by Moroccan powerhouse Raja Club Athletic in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Despite holding a halftime lead, Samartex were unable to secure a victory in the closely contested match.
Raja Club Athletic had the first major chance of the game just three minutes in, but Samartex goalkeeper Kofi Baah produced a vital save to deny Adam Ennaffati’s effort from the edge of the box.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Mohamed Azrida headed home from a corner to give the Moroccans the lead.
Samartex responded in the 37th minute through a spectacular acrobatic strike from Francis Gyetuah, leveling the score at 1-1.
The Ghanaian side kept up the pressure and were rewarded just before halftime when Michael Ephson pounced on a rebound to put the hosts ahead. His goal came after Isaac Afful’s powerful long-range shot forced Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti into a fumble, allowing Ephson to slot home.
However, Raja fought back early in the second half, with Mohamed Boulacsout finishing off a well-executed team move to make it 2-2.
The draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg, which will take place at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca next week.
