Raja Club Athletic suffered their first defeat of the 2020-21 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign after going down 2-1 away to Horoya in a Group B fixture at the Stade Général Lansana Conte in Conakry on Saturday.
Horoya came from a goal down to win the tie at home and revenge for the 1-0 defeat they suffered in Casablanca a fortnight ago.
The win sees Horoya pick their first victory of the group phase, though they remain bottom of the pile. They however retain a mathematical chance of making it into the quarter finals if they win their last two matches.
Despite the loss, raja remained top of the group with nine points and have fate in their own hands as far as qualification is concerned.
Raja broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Hamid Ahadad tapped the ball home at the backpost when skipper Mohsine Moutaouali’s corner was deflected to the backpost.
But, Horoya kept their fight knowing only a win would put them at a good position to battle for a quarter final slot. They kept the pressure and almost had a goal but Mandela Ocansey’s effort from a corner was cleared off the line.
But, there was no stopping the skipper in the 26th minute when he levelled the scores, when he controlled a cross from the left before shooting beyond the keeper.
They completed their comeback and went into the lead three minutes later when Yakhouba Barry thundered a penalty home after a foul inside the box.
In the second half, Raja piled the pressure as they sought to get back into the game. Horoya were also not willing to let their grasp off the game and they should have had a third goal, but Boniface Haba failed to score with a clear chance unmarked.
In the 63rd minute, Raja almost drew level, but substitute Kadima Kabangu could not bury an easy chance when keeper Moussa Camara spilled a shot right into his path unmarked inside the box. Kabangu also had a chance with 12 minutes left but his header from close range was over.
The Moroccans threw bodies upfront in search of an equalizer, but all their efforts came to nothing.
Source: CAF
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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