Defending Ghana Premier League champions Samartex FC have landed in Morocco as they gear up for the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Raja Casablanca on Saturday.
The Samreboi-based side will be eager to overturn a narrow deficit from the first leg, where they staged an impressive first-half comeback to lead 2-1, only to concede a decisive goal from Mohamed Boulacsou in the 63rd minute. Quick-fire strikes from Francis Gyetuah and Michael Ephson had initially put Samartex ahead, but the team could not maintain their advantage.
Despite the setback, the Timber Giants showed promise and resilience in their debut African campaign, qualities they will look to carry into Saturday’s fixture.
Facing three-time champions Raja Casablanca on their home turf, Samartex will have to contend with the pressure of a passionate Moroccan crowd at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s side can, however, take confidence from their earlier achievement in the competition, having eliminated Cameroonian outfit Victoria United in the first round.
The highly anticipated clash is set to kick off at 19:00 GMT, with the Ghanaian champions hoping to make history in the CAF Champions League.
