Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The result means Samartex will need a victory in the return leg in Morocco to progress to the group stages of the competition.

Raja Casablanca started the match strongly, taking the lead in the 20th minute through Mohamed Azrida, whose precise effort gave the visitors an early advantage.

However, FC Samartex responded in the 37th minute when Francis Gyetua scored with a spectacular acrobatic kick, leveling the score.

Just before halftime, Michael Ephson put the home side ahead with a brilliant strike, sending Samartex into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The second half saw a spirited comeback from Raja Casablanca, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Mohamed Boulacscout found the equalizer with a composed finish.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the remaining minutes, but the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

FC Samartex now faces a challenging trip to Morocco, where they will need a win to secure a spot in the prestigious group stages of the CAF Champions League.