The highly anticipated semi-final match of the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup between Zamalek, the renowned Egyptian team, and Dreams FC from Ghana, concluded in a goalless draw at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.
Despite being newcomers to the competition, Dreams FC, Ghana’s sole representative in the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup, following their victory in the 2023 MTN FA Cup, entered the game as underdogs.
However, the Ghanaian champions defied expectations and managed to hold the 2019 Confederation Cup winners to a goalless draw.
On the day, Zamalek dominated possession with 64% compared to Dreams FC’s 36%. The Egyptian team made 25 attempts on goal, with six shots on target, showcasing their offensive prowess. Despite this, Dreams FC maintained their composure, managing five attempts on goal, with only one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
The hero of the day for Dreams FC was goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, who made six crucial saves, thwarting the opponents’ attempts to score.
Zamalek Sc boss, Jose Gomes, after the game admitted that technical errors prevented his team from grabbing a win against the Ghanaian side on Sunday.
“We missed speed and playing our way against Dreams, There were some technical errors and we did not play optimally, but we had many positions that qualified us to win and decide the match. 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.”
However, Gomes expressed confidence in Ghana’s conditions favoring his team, yet he admits the need for improvement in the final third
“Things will be very different in the return match, especially with the grass, humidity, and temperature, and even if things are like that, I trust the players, We expected more from the players in the match regarding the way we played. We had many chances and did not score, and we may score in Ghana, even if at least one goal.”
With one step closer to the final of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Dreams FC will aim to secure their spot at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium when they face off in the return leg fixture on April 28, 2024.
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
