In a clash that showcased the stark realities of football’s unforgiving nature, Zamalek brought Dreams FC’s Cinderella story in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup to an abrupt halt.
The Ghanaian underdogs, who had captured the imagination of fans with their remarkable journey, were handed a decisive 3-0 defeat by the Egyptian giants in Kumasi, sealing Zamalek’s place in the final.
After a goalless deadlock in the first leg held in Cairo, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter in Ghana. However, Zamalek wasted no time in asserting their dominance as Hamza Mathlouthi found the net early on, setting the tone for a commanding performance by the visitors.
Samson Akinyoola’s brilliant volley and a late strike by Mustafa Shalaby further compounded Dreams’ woes, leaving no room for doubt about Zamalek’s superiority on the night.
Despite the valiant efforts of Dreams FC, including missed opportunities by John Antwi and Abdul Aziz Issah, Zamalek’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mohamed Awad delivering crucial saves to deny the home side.
Throughout the match, Zamalek demonstrated their trademark blend of power and finesse, with players like Omar Gaber and Hossam Abdelmaguid constantly threatening Dreams’ defense.
Shalaby, ending his six-month scoring drought, put the final nail in the coffin for Dreams FC with a clinical finish, extinguishing any hopes of a miraculous comeback.
For Dreams FC, their journey in the Confederation Cup comes to an end, but not without leaving an indelible mark on the competition.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Dreams can take pride in their historic run, which saw them defy the odds and conquer formidable opponents along the way.
As Zamalek marches on to yet another continental final, their performance against Dreams serves as a reminder of their status as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
With their sights set on silverware, Zamalek will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the ultimate showdown of the CAF Confederation Cup.
PHOTO: CAF Online
