Experienced striker John Antwi proved instrumental as Dreams FC clinched a remarkable 2-1 triumph over ten-man Stade Malien in Bamako, showcasing their mettle in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Antwi’s heroics stole the spotlight as he netted a brace to propel the Ghanaian side to victory on foreign soil in the first leg clash in Mali.
The away triumph marks a significant milestone in their maiden continental campaign, underscoring their determination to make an impact on the continental stage ahead of the second-leg next week.
Thev result means Stade Malien face an uphill battle as they seek to overturn the deficit away from home and salvage their hopes of progression in the competition.
Trailing initially to a Yoro Diaby free-kick, Dreams FC rallied courageously, with Antwi leading the charge.
In the 66th minute, Antwi ignited his team’s resurgence with a clinical finish past N’Golo Traoré, breathing new life into Dreams FC’s aspirations.
Buoyed by the equalizer, the Ghanaians intensified their onslaught, exposing Stade Malien’s defensive frailties.
The turning point arrived in the 74th minute when Antwi calmly dispatched a penalty, awarded after Issa Yacoubou’s handball, to complete his brace and secure a vital lead for Dreams FC.
Stade Malien’s hopes suffered a severe blow as Fadi Sidiki Coulibaly received a red card, reducing his side to ten men for the remainder of the encounter.
The numerical disadvantage compounded Stade Malien’s woes, ahead of the return leg in Kumasi next week.
With momentum on their side, Dreams FC sets their sights on the return fixture, aiming to capitalize on their advantage and secure passage to the semi-finals.
