Dreams FC show class with 4-0 thumping of Academica do Lobito
Dreams FC of Ghana showcased their football prowess as they ran riot with a 4-0 demolition of Academica do Lobito from Angola in a captivating CAF Confederation Cup group encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday.
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The convincing win propelled Dreams FC to the second spot on the Group C standings, closely trailing Tunisia's Club Africain, as both teams now boast nine points from four matches. Academica do Lobito occupy the bottom spot on the log, still without a point after succumbing to a 2-3 defeat against Dreams FC in Angola just a week ago.
The Ghanaians faced solid resistance from Lobito's defensive lineup for more than half an hour into the match, but the breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Mensah Agyenim Boateng capitalised on a defensive mix-up, calmly tapping the ball in after Angolan defenders failed to clear their lines.
Boateng had earlier missed an opportunity in the 10th minute, thwarted by Lobito's goalkeeper, Fernando Lopes de Almeida, who punched his shot to safety.
Coach Abdul Karim Zito's side took control of the pitch and dictated the pace of the game but failed to convert scoring opportunities that fell their way, taking a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
The second half saw Dreams FC further assert their dominance, scoring three additional goals to secure a comprehensive victory. Four minutes into the second half, the home side profited from an own goal by Angelo Jorge Saome Sukuakueche who deflected a cross by Derrick Atta Agyei into his own net to give Dreams FC a 2-0 cushion.
With Lobito altering their tactics, abandoning their defensive stance, and opting for an attacking approach, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Dreams FC capitalised on this vulnerability with a stunning goal for an unassailable 3-0 lead. Midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah sighted the Angolan keeper off his line and executed a precise lob from just outside the centre circle that sailed beyond the reach of the retreating goalkeeper, Lopes de Almeida.
Two minutes into added time, substitute Tamko Nuhu drilled the final nail in Lobito's coffin to make it 4-0 after rounding up the goalkeeper during a swift attack that left Lobito's defenders flat-footed.
The closest the Angolan came to scoring was in the 80th minute when Makusa Lemi Jose got to the end of Manuel Cachindele's cross but his header was saved by Dreams FC goalie Gidios Aseako who was well positioned.
