Heartbreak in Casablanca as late hosts’ double sinks El-Kanemi Warriors’ CAF Confederation Cup hopes
El-Kanemi Warriors suffered a heart-wrenching elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup as a valiant defensive performance collapsed under two late goals in Casablanca, granting Moroccan giants Raja a 4-2 aggregate victory.
We traveled to Casablanca with belief, holding Moroccan powerhouses Raja to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the initial fixture back home in Nigeria.
Tasked with overcoming three-time CAF Confederation Cup champions inside the hostile atmosphere of the Mohammed V Stadium, our squad displayed tremendous tactical discipline and resilience through almost the entire contest.
Our defensive block repeatedly thwarted the home team’s attacking surges throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Even under relentless pressure during the second half, our players stood firm, repelling crosses, clearing set pieces, and absorbing intense offensive momentum to keep our qualification dreams alive deep into the match.
Agony at the death for El Kanemi
Despite our heroic efforts to preserve a goalless stalemate, our resistance was agonizingly shattered just one minute before full-time.
A late set-piece allowed Ayoub Barkok to finally break the deadlock for the hosts in the 89th minute.
With our side forced to push forward in search of a dramatic equalizer during stoppage time, defender Marian Huja capitalized on the open space to head home a second goal in the 94th minute.
The 2-0 defeat on the night sealed a 4-2 aggregate elimination, bringing a painful end to our continental journey despite a performance filled with pride and determination.
