CAF Confed Cup: Karim Zito blames semi-final exit on lack of experience
Dreams FC coach Abdul Karim Zito has identified a lack of experience as the cause of his team’s semi-final exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
The FA Cup champions suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Egyptian giants Zamalek in the second leg of the semi-final encounter.
Having drawn goalless from the first leg, the defeat ensured their elimination from the competition.
In his post-match comments, Zito was clear in his mind what caused their defeat.
“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.”
Dreams qualified for the competition after winning the FA Cup last year. In what was their debut campaign, the Dawu-based side topped Group C with twelve points, before eliminating Stade Malien in the quarter-final.
In Sunday’s encounter, however, Dreams conceded two goals by the twenty-eighth minute, as Zamalek took control of the tie.
Zamalek wrapped up the contest with the third goal just thirteen minutes after the restart at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
“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.” Zito concluded.
Dreams will now switch focus to Wednesday’s outstanding quarter-final clash with Soccer Intellectuals in the FA Cup.
