Vipers SC endured a frustrating night in Morocco on Friday after suffering a humbling defeat to Raja Athletic Club.
In what was the first CAF Champions League group stage game for the Venoms, the expedition started with a heavy defeat.
Raja Casablanca had a complete clean out on Vipers at Mohammed V Complex, winning 5-0 to take early charge of Group C.
Hamza Khabba, Jamal Harkass, Roger Aholou, Yousri Bouzok and Mohamed Zrida had a goal each on the day.
Goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza had a night to forget, after being at fault for some of the goals conceded by the Venoms.
As early as the fifth minute, the Congolese shot stopper let in a seemingly harmless looping header from Khabba after the latter rose just inside the box to connect to a cross from the right.
Six minutes later, he fumbled with an effort from a free kick and Harkass was well stationed to score from the rebound and double Raja’s advantage.
Vipers only shot on target the entire game came in the 34th minute off Martin Kizza’s free kick but goalkeeper Anas Zniti saved it.
The hosts went ahead to stretch the lead in the 38th minute through Zrida who scored with a first time shot after a well weighted cutback from Harkass found him well placed in the box.
There two more goals for Raja after recess, first in the 59th minute when Bouzouk went through on goal to lobe the ball past Mudekereza before Aholou completed the job for the home side with 20 minutes to go.
Vipers will shift focus to their second group game against AC Horoya from Guinea next weekend at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.