Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 were held to a 2-2 draw by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Despite taking the lead before halftime, Samartex couldn’t maintain their advantage. Raja opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Mohamed Azrida, but Samartex equalized in the 37th minute with a stunning acrobatic strike from Francis Gyetuah.

Just before the break, Michael Ephson capitalized on a rebound to put Samartex ahead, only for Mohamed Boulacsout to bring Raja level early in the second half. Both teams now head into the second leg in Casablanca with the tie delicately poised.