Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 were held at home by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second round clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The thrilling encounter leaves FC Samartex 1996 needing a win in the return leg to advance to the group stages of the competition.

Raja Casablanca started strong, taking the lead in the 20th minute through a well-placed effort from Mohamed Azrida.

However, FC Samartex 1996 responded in the 37th minute when Francis Gyetua acrobatic kick was too strong for the Raja goalkeeper to handle, securing the equalizer.

Just before halftime, Michael Ephson put Samartex in front with a stunning strike, giving the Ghanaian club a 2-1 lead at the break.

Raja came back fighting in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Mohamed Boulacscout levelled the score with a clinical finish.

Despite efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winning goal, and the match ended 2-2.

Samartex now faces the daunting task of traveling to Morocco for the second leg, where they will need a victory to secure their place in the prestigious group stages of the CAF Champions League.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS