Ghanaian champions FC Samartex have landed in Morocco ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League second-leg match against Raja Casablanca, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. The team, accompanied by its technical staff, club president, and management, arrived in Casablanca on Thursday afternoon, prepared to secure a victory or a high-scoring draw that will see them advance to the group stages of the prestigious competition.
This trip marks a significant moment in FC Samartex’s football journey, as it is their debut appearance in continental football. The team has come a long way, having won the Ghana Premier League in the 2023/2024 season and securing a place in the CAF Champions League. Now, they face one of their biggest challenges yet—an away game against a formidable Raja Casablanca side, who have been dominant in African football for decades. The stakes are high, and Samartex knows that a win or a favorable result in Morocco will place them in the group stages of the competition.
Samartex’s journey to the second round of the CAF Champions League preliminaries has been anything but easy. In the first leg, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, the two teams played out an exciting 2-2 draw. It was a match full of action, with Samartex showing determination and resilience against a Raja team known for its attacking prowess. The Ghanaian side took the lead twice, but Raja Casablanca managed to equalize on both occasions, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg. The outcome of that match means Samartex will need to put on a strong performance in Morocco to secure their passage to the next stage.
Upon their arrival in Casablanca, the team headed straight to their hotel to settle in before beginning their preparations for the big match. Later in the evening, the players and the technical team conducted their first training session on Moroccan soil. These training sessions will be crucial in ensuring the team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead. The atmosphere in the camp is said to be positive, with the players in high spirits as they look forward to the match.
For Samartex, this is a do-or-die encounter. The club is aware that their opponents, Raja Casablanca, are one of the most successful teams in African football. Raja has a rich history in the CAF Champions League, having won the competition multiple times and consistently performing well at the continental level. The Moroccan giants will be playing on home turf, where they have an impressive record, making Samartex’s task even more difficult. However, the Ghanaian champions have shown they are not intimidated by big names and will be ready to put up a fight.
One factor that could work in Samartex’s favor is the absence of Raja Casablanca’s key midfielder, Mohamed Zrida. Zrida, who played a vital role in the first leg, will miss the match due to a one-game suspension. He received a red card in the first leg in Accra, and his absence could potentially weaken Raja’s midfield, giving Samartex an opportunity to exploit this gap. While Raja still has plenty of talent in their squad, Zrida’s absence could affect their game plan and provide Samartex with a slight advantage.
Despite the challenges ahead, FC Samartex has several reasons to be optimistic. Their performances in the Ghana Premier League and the CAF Champions League so far have demonstrated that they are a team capable of competing at the highest level. Coach Henry Wellington and his technical team have been working tirelessly to prepare the players for the match, focusing on tactics that will allow them to counter Raja’s strengths and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way.
One of the key players for Samartex will be their top scorer, Samuel Obeng, who has been in fine form throughout the season. His goals have been instrumental in Samartex’s success, and the team will be relying on him to deliver once again in Morocco. Alongside Obeng, the team’s defense will need to be solid to withstand the attacking threat posed by Raja. The likes of defender Benjamin Agyekum and goalkeeper Emmanuel Asare will play crucial roles in ensuring Samartex stays competitive throughout the match.
Samartex’s journey to Morocco is also significant for the club’s supporters, many of whom have been following the team’s progress with great excitement. The club has a loyal fan base, and their success on the continental stage has generated even more enthusiasm. While most fans are unable to travel to Morocco to support the team in person, they are expected to gather in large numbers back home to watch the match and cheer their team on from afar. The sense of pride and optimism among Samartex supporters is palpable, as they hope to witness their team make history by reaching the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time.
The match between FC Samartex and Raja Casablanca is set to take place at the Stade Larbi Zaouil, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. Raja’s supporters will undoubtedly create an intimidating environment for the visiting team, but Samartex’s players are determined to stay focused and deliver a performance that will make their fans and the entire nation proud. With the tie delicately balanced at 2-2, both teams know that this match could go either way, and the pressure will be on to secure a positive result.
As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s showdown, the excitement and tension continue to build. For FC Samartex, this is more than just a football match—it is an opportunity to prove themselves on the continental stage and take a significant step forward in their development as a club. A win or a high-scoring draw will see them through to the CAF Champions League group stages, a historic achievement that would further solidify their status as one of Ghana’s top football clubs.
All eyes will be on Casablanca this weekend as FC Samartex looks to defy the odds and secure a place in the next round of the competition. Whatever the outcome, the experience gained from this journey will be invaluable for the club as they continue to grow and make their mark in Ghanaian and African football.
