Dreams FC, the lone West African representatives in the ongoing CAF inter-club competitions, continue their fairytale run in the CAF Confederation Cup following a goalless draw in the first leg of the semi-final against Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Before the first leg clash, the general counsel to the debutants was that they try as much as possible to limit the damage as much as possible during their trip to Egypt.
“They should not be worried, we know the quality of Zamalek, and they should not look down upon Dreams FC, nobody thought we would reach that side, so we need their prayers and support” stated a rather hopeful Karim Zito ahead of the first leg.
Karim Zito’s men embraced the underdog mentality, frustrating Zamalek who tried relentlessly to find the back of the net on several occasions. Goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi was the Man of the Match, putting in a great shift between the sticks.
The draw in the first leg was a remarkable result, considering the standards of Dreams FC who are only tasting a CAF inter-club competition for the first time.
Now, ahead of the second leg, the tie remains delicately poised.
The Ghana FA Cup holders boast a formidable home record in the competition thus far, winning all four of their home games. They need nothing but a win to book a place in the final.
Dreams FC need a win against Zamalek in Kumasi to reach the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. @Bill_Eshun looks at their chances with numbers#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/7BGKftUnQL
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 26, 2024
On the verge of making history with their clash against Zamalek on Sunday, the club has made tickets to the game free for some sections of the stadium, bearing in mind the importance of the 12th man which sports journalist, Jerome Otchere believes will favour the team.
“Good thinking is going on, there’s a chance if they charge the normal rate, nobody will come. They may not have the kind of atmosphere needed to beat the Egyptian [side].
Some would say that, if you are good, you are good and don’t need the crowd for anything thing, but the point is; that the Egyptians are more experienced than Dreams. So you need to plug all hopes and make sure all factors you need to win the game, are satisfied.. and I think that is why they have taken this move.”
Under the leadership of Karim Zito, they have surpassed all odds to reach this stage of the competition, a feat previously achieved by only Hearts of Oak and Kotoko in the last two decades.
- CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams FC deny Zamalek first leg advantage with impressive performance
- CAF Confederation Cup: RS Berkane awarded 3-0 win after refusing to play
Despite being aware of the admirable campaign so far including their first leg victory, Zito insists he will leave no stone unturned and is fully prepared for the second leg.
“After the first leg in Cairo, we all sat together and planned on what exactly we want from the Sunday game and the objective on Sunday is to qualify and as to how will qualify you will see it on Sunday,” he told Akoma FM.
Despite the confidence, the experienced gaffer says complacency will not be a part of the team’s attitude given the track record of their opponents.
“You are here and you have seen the attitude of the players, we have put the results of the first leg aside and we are preparing seriously for the second leg, we know it is going to be very very difficult, it won’t be an easy game, it will look very frightening and very difficult but one thing I can tell you is that it not impossible, for us it is possible.”
Zamalek coach Jose Gomes was unsatisfied with the first leg result but has vowed to turn things around in Kumasi.
He however has a daunting task of breaking a jinx and sailing through as Zamalek are yet to record victory against a Ghanaian side in the West African nation’s territory having lost four with one draw in five meetings.
“We missed speed and playing our way against Dreams. Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve victory and the first half of the semi-final match ended. We now need to focus and play the second half well in Ghana” Gomes added.
With their eyes set on further success, Dreams FC remain a formidable contender in the CAF Confederation Cup, with anticipation already high for the second leg which kicks off at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 28, 2024.