1. Abdul Aziz Issah is the next big star from Ghana
Ghana is a blessed country when it comes to left-footed playmakers. The legendary Abedi Pele comes to mind whenever we mention left-footed playmakers. He is probably the best to have happened to the African continent. The likes of Sulley Muntari, and Kwadwo Asamoah were wonderful footballers who had great left foots. Andre Ayew, the skipper for Black Stars is also a great left-footed forward.
Youngsters Mohammed Kudus Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Ernest Nuamah are all blessed with an immense quality with their left foot. They are enjoying stellar careers in Europe currently. Clinton Duodu of Bechem United should be up there with these youngsters as he is an extremely talented Ghanaian forward who also dazzles with his left foot. The next big thing undoubtedly is Dreams FC’s Abdul Aziz Issa. The diminutive playmaker is a delight to watch. He scored 4 goals in Dreams FC’s journey to the semi-finals and he can follow the legendary left-footed Ghanaian forwards. Against Zamalek alongside Godfred Atauahene did an excellent job by serving as wonderful playmakers to John Antwi and Agyenim Boateng Mensah.
2. Zamalek shows class is permanent as they shatter a whole nation’s dream
It was revealed ahead of the tie in Kumasi that a win for Dreams FC will help Ghana usurp Nigeria to occupy the 12th slot to be able to present two cubs each for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup for next season. Ahead of the tie, the Ghanaians were extremely optimistic about beating Zamalek as the Egyptians had never won in Ghana in their 6 strips. They have horrible memories in Ghana as Asante Kotoko thrashed them 5-1 in 1987 in the CCL while Hearts of Oak won 2-0 in Kumasi in 2001 in the CAF Super Cup. Their last trip to Ghana ended 1-1 against Berekum Chelsea in Accra in 2012. On Sunday, they showed their class against the minnows as they put Dreams at their level. They were far ahead of their opponents and made sure that they were at different levels. Zamalek made history in the 3-0 victory over Dreams as it was their first-ever win in Ghana.
3. No Shikabala, no problem
The 38-year-old Shikabala was not part of Zamalek’s matchday squad in Kumasi. The experienced forward is someone who gives confidence to the Zamalek family so when manager Gomes confirmed that the veteran would miss the tie, it was very good news for Dreams FC.
In his absence, right back Hamza Mathlouthi captained the Egyptians. He made them forget Shikabala as he showed great leadership on Sunday. The right-back was more than a captain on the day as his performance was great. The former CS Sfaxien defender, Hamza Mathlouthi, was almost everywhere on the pitch. The 31-year-old was super and he is indeed a great leader.
4. Dreams FC’s profligacy in attack eliminated them
Agyenim Boateng Mensah and John Antwi were blunt in Dreams FC’s attack. The attacking duo are the most experienced players of Karim Zito’s attack but couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. John Antwi had three clear chances but missed all of them. He flicked a nice ball to Agyenim Mensah who failed to score from close range in the first half. Abdul Aziz Issah also missed a huge opportunity when Zamalek’s goalkeeper Mohamed Awad made a great save and Aziz had only an empty net but missed, although it was a bit tricky.
5. Dreams wing backs were not up to the level required
Karim Zito’s wing backs lacked pace and the aggression to face the Egyptians. Derrick Agyei and Suyihini are youngsters who can become great players but failed to deliver on Sunday against Zamalek. You could see that they need more time to be the best they want to be. They couldn’t keep up with Zamalek’s pace on the wings as the Egyptians capitalized on their lack of pace and aggression and attacked Dreams from those areas.
