Dreams FC got their first victory of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup group stage after beating Nigerian side Rivers United at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Experienced striker John Antwi and young talent Abdul Aziz Issah sealed the victory for the Still Believe lads who had lost their matchday one game to Club Africain in Tunisia.
Head coach Abdul Karim Zito lined up a formidable side against the Nigerians in hopes of bagging their first three points in the group phase.
Usual goalkeeper Simon Agbesi started on the bench while Agyenim Boateng supported the experienced John Antwi in attack.
🟢 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🥁 Introducing our starting XI encounter with Rivers United – COME ON BELIEVERS!👍#DreamsRivers @CAFCLCC #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #StillBelieve☝🏾💚 pic.twitter.com/K2rMLc055l
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) December 3, 2023
It was Dreams who struck first through Antwi in the 35th minute.
The former Al Ahly SC and Pyramids FC player brilliantly headed home a cross from defender Eric Boateng with Dreams’ first shot on target in the 35th minute.
The lead set the tone for the home side who extended their lead in the second half despite the attacking display from their visitors.
Young midfielder Aziz Issah extended the lead for the Ghanaian club in the 74th minute following a brilliant team effort.
Goal 😄💥
Our star boy Abdul Aziz Issah makes it two 😄🟢⚪
Dreams FC 2️⃣ 🆚 0️⃣ Rivers United #DreamsRivers @CAFCLCC #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #StillBelieve☝🏾💚 pic.twitter.com/BQUP6h2JEV
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) December 3, 2023
The 18-year-old scored again a few moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Rivers pulled one back before the close of the match when midfielder Alex Oyowah got the ball behind the back of the net in stoppage-time.
To our supporters and @DreamzLadiesFC thank you. 💚
We keep pushing – Still Believe. ✊@CAFCLCC #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #StillBelieve☝🏾💚 pic.twitter.com/m4e8I37o9s
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) December 3, 2023
Dreams will travel to Angola to face Academica do Lobito in the next round next Sunday.
