A John Antwi double proved crucial for Ghanaian club, Dreams FC as they beat Malian club, Stade Malien away in the CAF Confederations Cup at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
The Malian side started the game strongly in possession and creating chances but their profligacy let them down in the final third of the game as they failed to find the back of the net on several occasions in the first half.
Two minutes into the second half, Godfred Atuahene received the first card for his side after a late challenge on, Moussakoye Diallo.
Daouda Coulibaly’s free-kick met the head of forward, Amadou Bouba Traore which was whiskers away from the opener with the goalkeeper, Solomon Agbasi watching the ball go off his post.
Coulibaly’s laid-off pass saw, Yoro Diaby’s sweet strike from 30 yards flying past Solomon Agbasi who could do little to stop the ferocious strike which put the Malian side into the lead in the 53rd minute of the game.
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The goal forced Coach Zito to effect a like-for-like change, taking, Mohammed Abubakar for Ishmael Dede in the 62nd minute.
Four minutes later, Agyenim Boateng Mensah forced a save from goalkeeper, Ngolo Traore with captain John Antwi scoring to give the Ghanaian club, the equalizer and their first goal in the knockout phase of the competition.
Aziz Issah’s shot destined for goal hit the arm off Issah Yakubu from which referee, P.T. Mebiame after consultations with VAR awarded a penalty from which captain John Antwi scored, his second of the day.
Referee, P.T. Mebiame initially sent Fady Coulibaly off for a second bookable offense after a cynical tackle on John Antwi but after a VAR review, he issued a straight red card to the Malian midfielder.
The Dawu-based club will hope to keep their resilience towards the finish line to stake a claim in the semi-finals when they take on their Malian opponents, on April, 7,2024.
