Confed. Cup: Zamalek thrash Dreams FC in Kumasi
Two first half goals and one in the second half ended Dreams FC fairytale in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup as they lost 3-0 to Zamalek SC of Egypt in the second leg semi-final game at the Baba Yara Stadium, yesterday.
Goals from Hamza Mathlouthi, Samson Akinyoola and Mostafa Shalaby handed the Egyptians the ticket to the final of the competition.
Dreams FC’s defensive frailties were exposed as early as the 12th minute when centerback Mathlouthi tapped home from a corner kick.
At 1-0 down, Dreams showed glimpses of getting back into the game, however, they were shocked with the second goal when Akinyoola picked the ball from behind the box and dummied skipper Abdul Jalilu before planting the ball beyond goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi.
Zamalek maintained possession and carried the game to the host.
However, Dreams came close on a few occasions to pull a goal back, but they failed as John Antwi blasted over the bar an opportunity on 35 minutes.
Youngsters Abdul Aziz Issah, Agyenim Boateng and Emmanuel Agyei all had turns to reduce the deficit, but they missed the chances that came their way.
Back from the break, Dreams FC lifted their game, they failed to beat goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Substitute Shalaby run ahead of the Dreams defenders to finish off a pass from the right flank and put the game beyond the reach of the Ghanaians.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY