Ghanaian champions Samartex face uphill task in Morocco after Raja draw
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
FC Samartex’s quest to reach the CAF Champions League group stage faces a tough challenge as they travel to Morocco, hoping for a miracle following their 2-2 draw with Raja Casablanca in the first leg in Accra.
The Ghanaian champions were in control of the first-leg after Francis Gyetuah and Michael Ephson scored to cancel out an early goal from Raja’s Mohamed Zrida.
However, a second-half equaliser from the Moroccans left the tie finely balanced, with Raja now holding the advantage due to the away goals rule and the home crowd in Casablanca.
The Ghanaian club will have to pull off an extraordinary performance in Casablanca to advance, needing either an outright win or a high-scoringdraw (3-3 or more) to progress. Raja, on the other hand, could seal qualification with a scoreless draw or a 1-1 result, thanks to their two away goals.
Raja Casablanca’s strong home form and their passionate fans at the intimidating Mohammed V Stadium make Samartex’s task even more formidable.
The Ghanaian side will need to be at their best defensively, while also posing a significant attacking threat, something they struggled with in the latter stages of the first leg.
Gyetuah and Ephson’s goals gave Samartex hope, but the team may regret not taking full advantage of playing at home. Now, they face a seasoned Raja side with a storied history in African football, and only an inspired performance will see them through to the group stage.
Samartex must overcome both the pressure of playing away and the formidable Moroccan support if they are to keep their CAF Champions League hopes alive.
