The maiden journey of Dreams FC in the CAF Confederation Cup came to an end after their 3-0 semi-final second leg loss by Zamalek on Sunday evening.
The Ghanaian outfit managed to play out a goalless draw in the first leg in Cairo but were unable to make home advantage count at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu as Hamza Mathlouthi and Benin’s Samson Akinyoola put Zamalek 2-0 ahead in the first half.
Mostafa Shalabi put the final nail in the coffin in the 59th minute, sending the Egyptian giants to their second Confederation Cup final after winning it in the 2018-19 season when they defeated RS Berkane of Morocco on penalties
Dreams FC took to X to pen a message of thanks to fans who supported them on their first-ever continental outing.
“Not the way we expected it to be. We bow out of the CAFCC at the Semi final stage,” read the post.
“An end to an incredible journey with an exciting crowd and support nationwide.
“Thank you for being part of our dream journey”.
Not the way we expected it to be.
We bow out of the CAFCC at the Semi final stage.An end to an incredible journey with an exciting crowd and support nationwide.
Thank you for being part of our DREAM journey! 💚🙏🏾🙌🏾#DreamsZamalek#StillBelieve☝🏾💚 | #IGWT | #DFC4LIFE pic.twitter.com/OTzOByao3k
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) April 28, 2024
The other semi-final between RS Berkane and USM Alger was called off after the Algerian side refused to honour the tie.
The first leg was also called off after Algerian authorities withheld the kits of the Moroccan side which had the map of the disputed territory of Western Sahara, continuing the political row between both Algeria and Morocco who severed diplomatic ties in 2021.
Berkane were awarded a 3-0 first leg away win and will most likely be awarded a home win, paving way for a two-legged final showdown with Zamalek on May 12 and 19.
