Kei Emmanuel
Al-Merrikh FC surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against AS FAR Rabat of Morocco in the second round of the CAF Champions League played at Juba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Sudanese side started the game on a high note, dominating AS FAR in the early minutes.
However, it was the Moroccan team that capitalized on Al-Merrikh’s defensive lapses, with Joel Beya’s goal being disallowed for offside in the 9th minute.
Al-Merrikh’s counter-attacking strategy paid off in the 26th minute when Elsamani El Sheikh Elsawi Saad Eldin slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net from 28 yards.
The Sudanese side doubled their lead four minutes later, but Wah Micheal Le Grand Dia’s goal was also ruled out for offside.
Mohammed Gbane added a second goal for Al-Merrikh in the 36th minute, giving the Sudanese side a comfortable lead at halftime.
In the second half, AS FAR Rabat came out determined to claw their way back into the game.
Tumisang Orebonye and Abdelettah Hadraf introduced fresh energy to the Moroccan side, and their efforts paid off with two late penalties that earned them a 2-2 draw.
The return leg of the CAF Champions League between Al-Merrikh and AS FAR Rabat will be played next week in Morocco. Al-Merrikh will need to win by a goal or more to progress to the group stages, while a draw will be enough for AS FAR Rabat to advance on away goals.