Ghana’s Dreams FC saw their continental ambitions crumble at home as the Ghanaian side suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat at home against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
A lacklustre performance by the young Ghanaian side saw a clinical Zamalek side capitalise on their scoring opportunities to secure a 3-0 away victory over Dreams FC in the second leg of the Confederation Cup semi-finals on Sunday, earning a spot in the competition’s final.
In the first leg in Cairo, Zamalek struggled to convert their chances, resulting in a goalless draw at home, making their task more challenging for the second leg in Ghana.
However, Zamalek demonstrated their quality by defeating Dreams FC convincingly in Kumasi with a 3-0 win.
Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi opened the scoring for Zamalek in the 11th minute, followed by Benin’s forward Samson Akinyoola doubling the lead 17 minutes later.
Winger Mostafa Shalabi completed the rout on the hour-mark, confirming Zamalek’s qualification to the final.
Zamalek’s coach, Jose Gomes, received a boost with the return of Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, Ahmed Fatouh, and Omar Gaber, who missed the first leg.
Their presence had an immediate impact, with Mathlouthi converting Zizo’s excellent cross to open the scoring after 11 minutes.
Fatouh played a role in Zamalek’s second goal, which was scored by Samson Akinyoola, whose well-placed shot beat the goalkeeper on the far post.
Despite their two-goal advantage, Zamalek had some luck in the first half as Dreams FC squandered four clear goal-scoring opportunities.
The comprehensive victory in Kumasi secured Zamalek’s spot in the competition’s final, where they will face either RS Berkane of Morocco or USM Alger of Algeria.
Dreams FC had high hopes of reaching their first-ever continental final after holding Zamalek to a goalless draw in the first leg in Cairo. However, the White Knights proved too formidable an opponent, capitalizing on their chances to earn an emphatic away win.
Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi drew first blood for Zamalek in the 11th minute, converting a cross from the influential Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, who returned from injury for the crucial tie.
Just 17 minutes later, Benin forward Samson Akinyoola doubled Zamalek’s advantage with a well-placed shot that beat the Dreams FC goalkeeper at the far post.
In the second half, Gomes made a tactical substitution, bringing on midfielder Mohamed Shehata for Zeyad Kamal to strengthen his vulnerable midfield.
Shehata performed well in his role and came close to adding a third goal, but his powerful shot was saved by the goalkeeper seven minutes into the second half.
Eight minutes later, Tunisian striker Seif Jaziri set up Mostafa Shalabi, who scored easily from close range to secure Zamalek’s third goal.
After the goal, Zamalek controlled possession, and the frustrated hosts failed to pose a significant threat.
The Ghanaian side’s dreams were well and truly halted in Kumasi, as the experienced Zamalek side demonstrated their pedigree on the continental stage, walloping their opponents 3-0 to book their place in the final.
In the final, Zamalek will face Moroccan side RS Berkane who got a walk over after altercation USMA Algeria.
With a three-goal cushion, Zamalek comfortably saw out the remainder of the game, dashing Dreams FC’s hopes of a historic run in the Confederation Cup.
