Nigeria’s sole survivor on the continent, Enyimba, have crashed out of the Confederation Cup following a 2-1 loss to Raja Casablanca on Wednesday.
Zakaria Hadraf’s effort and Isiaka Oladuntoye’s own goal condemned the People’s Elephant to a semi-final exit at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
Substitute Abdulrahman Bashir reduced the deficit for the visitors but that counted for nothing as the Moroccans marched majestically into the final where they face AS Vita.
Enyimba made an electric start by dominating possession for a large period of the game and looked good value to book shock the hosts to reach their first Confederation Cup final, but Raja somehow battled through their apparent jadedness to tame the Elephants.
With seconds left into the first half break, Hadraf broke the deadlock after capitalising on an undesirable defending by Oladuntoye to beat goal Theophilus Afelokhai.
Usman Abdallah’s men gave every indication they were going to take charge of their own destiny, as they threatened through Stanley Dimgba but Raja backline stood rock solid.
But Juan Garrido’s side kept their focus and Oladuntoye’s own goal in the 88th minute ended the Elephant’s dream.
Bashir reduced the deficit in the 90th minute but that counted for nothing as the Nigerians bowed out of the competition with heads bowed low.
