How El-Kanemi Warriors were undone by Nigerian star Oyewusi in Raja draw

El-Kanemi Warriors were unable to secure a first-leg advantage against Raja Casablanca after battling to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.

The NNL campaigners were punished by Nigerian forward Mathias Kehinde Oyewusi, who scored and assisted a goal for the Moroccan side.

The Nigerian FA Cup winners made an encouraging start to their second preliminary-round encounter at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, taking an early lead against one of Morocco’s most established clubs.

However, Raja recovered from their slow start, with Oyewusi playing a decisive role in their comeback before the hosts rescued a draw late in the game.

The result leaves the two teams with everything to play for ahead of the return fixture in Casablanca on October 23, although Raja will take confidence from scoring twice away from home.

Oyewusi turns the game around before El-Kanemi Warriors respond

Making their first appearance on the continent in 33 years, El-Kanemi Warriors would have been forgiven for any early nerves.

However, the coach Emmanuel King-tutored men raced out of the blocks, needinh just six minutes to break the deadlock.

Raja responded brilliantly, though, when Mohammad Abu Zrayq found the equaliser in the 24th minute, restoring parity and giving the visitors a foothold in the contest.

The hosts continued to compete, but the game changed in the 60th minute when Oyewusi, who had assisted the equaliser, put Raja ahead.

The Nigerian forward, who began his football journey with Flying Sport Academy in Nigeria before moving to Europe, demonstrated his attacking quality against his compatriots.

Oyewusi, who joined the Casablanca club from French side Valenciennes, saw his contribution leave El-Kanemi facing a difficult defeat on home soil, but the Warriors refused to surrender.

The hosts struck again in the 82nd minute to make it 2-2, avoiding defeat in their first-ever competitive meeting with a Moroccan club.

El-Kanemi Warriors, who reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993, now have a difficult hurdle next.

Their next challenge will be to overcome Raja in the return fixture at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on October 23 and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.