El-Kanemi Warriors face a difficult battle to keep their CAF Confederation Cup campaign alive after surrendering their advantage in a 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie.
The Nigerian side showed resilience to secure a late equaliser at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, October 18, 2026, but the result leaves the Maiduguri-based club with a daunting assignment ahead of the return leg in Morocco.
El-Kanemi made a bright start, taking the lead in the sixth minute to raise hopes of securing a valuable first-leg advantage. However, Raja responded in the 23rd minute through Mohammad Abu Zrayq, popularly known as Sharara, to restore parity.
The visitors carried their momentum into the second half and moved ahead in the 61st minute when Nigerian forward Mathias Kehinde Oyewusi found the net for Raja, putting El-Kanemi under pressure on home soil.
With defeat looming, the Nigerian representatives pushed for a response and were rewarded with an equaliser in the closing stages, drawing level at 2-2 around the 82nd minute to keep the contest finely balanced.
Raja’s Isaac Zidani was also sent off in stoppage time, adding another twist to an encounter that offered plenty of drama.
Despite avoiding defeat, El-Kanemi will rue their inability to protect their early lead and turn home advantage into a victory. The draw leaves the tie delicately poised, with the Warriors needing a disciplined and clinical performance to overcome Raja in Casablanca.
Tough Test Awaits in Morocco
The second leg, scheduled for Friday, October 23, will present a significant test for El-Kanemi against a Raja side backed by its home supporters.
The Nigerian club must tighten its defence, improve its control of key moments and make the most of any scoring opportunities if it hopes to advance to the next round.
Raja, meanwhile, will take confidence from recovering from an early setback and scoring twice away from home, although the late equaliser and dismissal could complicate preparations for the decisive encounter.
For El-Kanemi, the mission is clear: they must rise to the occasion in Morocco or risk an early exit from the continental competition.
The Warriors remain in contention, but their path to qualification has become considerably more challenging.
