A 15-year wait to bag continental silverware finally paid off for Raja Casablanca whose coach Juan Carlos Garrido became the first manager to win the Caf Confederation Cup with two different clubs after also claiming the same trophy with Al Ahly in 2014.
The Moroccans, who went into the match leading 3-0 from the first leg, were relentless from the start and took the lead through Abdelilah Hafidi after 21 minutes, pushing Vita further behind.
It was some poor defending by Vita that allowed some exchanges that led to Hafidi putting the ball past goalkeeper Nelson Lukong.
In-form Mahmoud Benhalib continued with his bright form as he set up Hafidi as it looked certain that Raja would claim the Cup.
Vita levelled matters deep into first half stoppage time through a well-struck free-kick by star forward Jean-Marc Makusu to go into the half-time break needing four more goals to be crowned champions.
But their revival mission dragged long with Mukoko Batezadio scoring in the 71th minute to make it 2-1.
Fabrice Ngoma added Vita’s third three minutes later off Chadrack Muzungu Lukombe as the Congolese giants took full control of the game and appeared likely to successfully launch one of the greatest comebacks in the history African football.
However, Raja held on with some spirited defending for the famous win that saw them walk away with the continental trophy; something which they last.
Raja Casablanca players celebrate being crowned the champions of the CAF Confederation Cup #TotalCAFCCfinal pic.twitter.com/LdDn1A1f3l
— CAF (@CAF_Online) December 2, 2018
Credit: Goal.com
