Enyimba International Football Club of Aba on Wednesday were made to pay for a penalty miss as they lost 0-1 to Raja Casablanca of Morocco in a CAF Confederation Cup game in Aba.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the match was a semifinal first leg encounter played at the newly refurbished Aba Stadium.
To progress to the last four of Africa’s second tier club competition, the People’s Elephant beat Rwandan side Rayon Sports 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
On their part, Raja Casablanca defeated Enyimba’s group opponents CARA Brazzaville 3-1 on aggregate to progress to the semifinals.
It was a controlled start to the game by the North Africans who looked to assert an early dominance of possession against the hosts.
Enyimba gradually shook off their initial lethargy in the last 10 minutes as they began to ask questions of their opponents.
However, the first half ended goalless despite the late pressure from the People’s Elephant.
Abdelilah Hafidi gave Raja Casablanca the lead shortly after the start of the second half in the 48th minute as they grabbed a vital away goal.
Hafidi celebrated his Atlas Lions call-up with the first goal in Aba, burying Rahimi’s cutback.
Enyimba were however presented with a rare opportunity to pull the game level in the 66th minute after the referee had awarded a penalty for handball against Raja defender, Msaud.
But Stanley Dimgba missed from the spot as he blazed the penalty over the bar.
The home side were made to rue the penalty miss as they could not fight their way back into the tie with the away side holding on to the adavantage.
The Moroccan side now have a first leg advantage as they travel back home with a victory and an away goal.
To progress Enyimba must go to Morocco and win by two goals to progress on the away goal rule.
The second leg encounter between Enyimba and Raja will hold on October 24.
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