Dreams Football Club made history by becoming the first Ghanaian club in 20 years to reach the knockout stages of a CAF Interclub competition. Following a 2-1 impressive win away from home in Mali last weekend, Dreams FC came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against former champions, Stade Malien of Mali. The draw sent them through on a 3-2 aggregate to the next stage of the competition, where they will now compete within touching distance of continental glory.
Coming into the tie at the back of a 2-1 away win, Dreams were very cautious in their approach, allowing the 2009 champions to have more of the ball with the hope of catching them on the break. The tactic almost backfired as Yoro Diaby capitalized on poor marking from the Ghanaians on a set piece to fire from close range and level the tie just before the hour mark. The goal served as a wake-up call for the hosts as they sent numbers forward in search of the equalizer, a tactic that was duly rewarded. This was after Sylvester Simba pounced on a loose ball that the keeper failed to handle to fire home from an acute angle to level matters and send the Ghanaians into the semi-finals.
Dreams’ qualification assures them a meeting with Zamalek SC in the semi-finals after the Egyptians defeated fellow compatriots Future FC 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
