CAF Confed Cup: Dreams FC eye semis with Stade Malien showdown Sunday
Dreams FC shot-stopper, Solomon Agbasi, is rallying for robust support as they gear up for a potentially historic clash against Stade Malien in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi this Sunday.
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Carrying a slender 2-1 lead from their previous encounter in Bamako, Dreams FC are eyeing to capitalise on home advantage and propel themselves closer to the coveted semi-final spot in Africa's prestigious second-tier inter-club tournament.
Seasoned campaigner John Antwi emerged as the two-goal hero in the first leg, steering Coach Abdul Karim Zito's side towards the brink of qualification. Now, with another key battle ahead, Agbasi, aged 23, is urging the faithful fans in Kumasi to fill the stadium, igniting an electrifying ambience to fortify their home turf and thwart any attempt by the Malians to upset their quest in Kumasi.
"We have a second leg coming on in Kumasi so we are preparing ourselves and will give our 120 per cent to win that game. We expect all Ghanaians to come in their numbers to the stadium and keep supporting us and we will give them the results they want,” Agbasi emphasised ahead of the match.
Dreams FC have been formidable at home throughout their continental campaign, clinching crucial victories against top opponents Rivers United (2-1), Academica do Lobito (4-0) and Club Africain (1-0) at the Baba Yara Stadium. With their unbeaten streak, Coach Zito and his squad are primed to secure another triumph, ensuring Stade Malien face an uphill battle to survive tomorrow's clash.
Strategy
Since their return from Mali, the Ghanaian side embarked on a media campaign dubbed "Fill Baba Yara Stadium". In a bid to bolster fan attendance and foster a vibrant atmosphere, Dreams FC have rolled out affordable ticket prices, with seats available at GH¢10 (Popular Stand), GH¢20 (Centre Line) and GH¢50 (VIP).
Not since Hearts of Oak's historic triumph in 2004 has a Ghanaian side ventured this far in the competition. Yet, for Coach Zito, the ultimate objective remains clinching the continental title in their inaugural attempt, making the forthcoming encounter against Stade Malien a pivotal juncture in this audacious pursuit.
Coach Zito is anticipated to deploy a formidable line-up with star players Antwi and Abdul Aziz Issah, both leading scorers in the competition with four goals apiece, expected to team up with Solomon Boateng, Abdul Jalilu, Derrick Atta Agyei and Richard Mensah to secure another resounding victory on home turf and advance to the semi-finals.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m.
