El Kanemi Warriors’ CAF Confederation Cup campaign came to an end as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Raja Casablanca in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Friday.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) side headed into the encounter with hopes of progressing after securing a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. However, two late goals from the Moroccan giants condemned the Maiduguri-based club to a 4-2 aggregate defeat.
El Kanemi Warriors produced a resilient defensive display in the first half, frustrating their hosts despite Raja Casablanca’s dominance in possession and attempts to break the deadlock.
Nigerian forward Mathias Oyewusi, who scored and provided an assist in the first leg, came close to opening the scoring for the hosts in the 31st minute, but his powerful effort struck the crossbar.
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The visitors continued to hold firm after the restart, keeping Raja at bay as the home side intensified their search for a breakthrough.
Oyewusi threatened again in the 54th minute, but his header was kept out by the El Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, who pushed the effort wide to preserve the goalless scoreline.
Raja Casablanca finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute through Aymen Barkok, who produced a spectacular free-kick to give the hosts a 1-0 lead on the night and put them ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
Raja then sealed their passage to the group stage in stoppage time when Marian Huja rose highest to head home from a well-delivered set piece, completing a 2-0 victory and a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
The defeat ends El Kanemi Warriors’ continental campaign despite their spirited performance across both legs, while Raja Casablanca advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The result also compounds a disappointing day for Nigerian club football, with Enugu Rangers equally failing to reach the CAF Champions League group stage following a 3-0 defeat to MC Alger in Algeria, which saw them lose their tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Consequently, no Nigerian club will feature in the group stage of either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup this season.
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