CAF Confederation Cup: Karim Zito believes lack of experience caused Dream FC’s semi-final exit

Dreams FC coach Abdul Karim Zito attributes his team’s exit from the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals to a lack of experience.

The FA Cup champions faced a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the second leg of the semi-final encounter.

This loss, following a goalless draw in the first leg, led to their elimination from the competition.

Dreams FC earned their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup after securing victory in the FA Cup last year.

Making their debut in the competition, the team from Dawu topped Group C with 12 points before progressing to the quarterfinals, where they eliminated Stade Malien.

However, in Sunday’s match, Dreams FC faced early setbacks as they conceded two goals by the twenty-eighth minute, allowing Zamalek to seize control of the tie.

Zamalek sealed their dominance with a third goal just thirteen minutes into the second half at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

In his post-match remarks, Zito emphasized the role of inexperience in their defeat, highlighting it as the primary cause for their inability to advance further in the tournament.

“It’s lack of experience. The boys only gave up after the third goal. I can do everything but if the players are not mentally stable there is nothing you can do. Antwi was doubtful but we forced him to play,” he said.

“It’s not stage fright, if that was the case, it would have affected us in Cairo. My boys never thought we could get into this situation. In Cairo the atmosphere was bigger than today.”

Dreams FC will now shift their focus to Wednesday’s eagerly anticipated quarter-final clash against Soccer Intellectuals in the FA Cup.