Medeama and Dreams FC secure historic continental group stage qualifications
Medeama and Dreams FC on Saturday raised high the flag of Ghana by securing qualification to the group stage of their respective African inter club competitions.
In the CAF Champions League, Medeama displayed exceptional resilience as they faced Guinean giants Horoya AC. With a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Medeama travelled to Conakry and put up a brilliant defensive performance, frustrating Horoya’s efforts.
Despite a 2-1 victory for Horoya in the second leg, it wasn’t enough to overturn the aggregate score, sending Medeama through to the group stage for the first time on their debut on an aggregate score of 3-4.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as they become the first Ghanaian club since Berekum Chelsea in 2012 to reach the group stage.
In the Confederation Cup, Dreams FC secured their ticket to the group stages of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup after edging Sierra Leonean club FC Kallon 3-2 on aggregate.
Last year’s FA Cup champions conceded late on Saturday to draw 1-1 against Kallon in Liberia but still progressing after winning the first leg 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium two weeks ago.
This achievement is significant for Dreams FC, considering it’s their first taste of continental football since they were founded 14 years ago.
These successes represent a turning point for Ghanaian football, ending a streak of continental disappointments with Asante Kotoko being the last club to represent Ghana in the Confederation Cup group stage in 2019.
In recent years, Ghanaian representatives have often struggled to progress past the first qualifying round, making Medeama and Dreams FC’s accomplishments all the more remarkable.
This will be the first since 2006, Ghana will have participants in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
