Raja Casablanca held to 2-2 draw by El-Kanemi Warriors in CAF Confederation Cup

Raja Club Athletic were held to a 2-2 draw by El-Kanemi Warriors in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie in the CAF Confederation Cup, despite a strong second-half performance in Nigeria.

The hosts made the faster start and took the lead in the sixth minute. The early setback disrupted Raja’s rhythm, with the Moroccan side needing time to settle and regain control of the midfield.

Their response arrived in the 23rd minute when Shararah levelled the score. The equaliser, scored away from home, gave Raja renewed confidence as they looked to establish a positive position in the two-legged tie.

The teams went into half-time level after an intense opening 45 minutes. Although the score remained 1-1, Raja had recovered from their difficult start and carried the psychological benefit of an important away goal into the second half.

The pace increased after the break, with both sides looking to gain an advantage in the race for qualification. Raja soon took control of possession in midfield and began to impose their tempo on El-Kanemi Warriors, who were forced to defend deeper.

That pressure was rewarded in the 61st minute. Mathiasa finished a dominant spell for the visitors with a precise strike to put Raja Club Athletic ahead.

The goal appeared to have put the Moroccan side on course for a valuable away victory. El-Kanemi Warriors, however, responded by committing more players forward as they sought an equaliser in front of their supporters.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 82nd minute, when the Nigerian side restored parity to make it 2-2. Both teams continued to push during the closing stages, but neither could find a winning goal.

The referee brought the match to an end with the score level, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg.