Rivers United of Nigeria clinched a victory over Dream FC of Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup. This win secured Rivers United’s place in the next round of the competition, a stage that Dream FC had already qualified for, Sports247 reports.
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Despite the loss, Dream FC’s coach AbdulKarim Zito remained optimistic. Returning to the stadium after nine years, Zito expressed his contentment with the team’s performance and their qualification. “I came here with three options. I know if they beat me 2-1, I have the goal for difference. I’m having eleven goals. So that is where the goals will matter. So I came here either to win, to lose, maybe 1-0 or 2-1. And then to draw, to qualify. All the bottom line is for me to qualify. Since I’ve qualified, I’m okay,” Zito explained.
The Dream FC team displayed a commendable performance, appearing comfortable even when the score was 1-0 and 1-1. When asked about the team’s objective in Nigeria, Zito reiterated, “We are here to qualify because I said again, this is about qualification. In every tournament there’s the need. You see, playing tournaments is quite different from playing the league. So now I’m happy with these young boys. I’ve been able to bring the slot back again in Ghana. So I’m very happy.”
This match marked Dream FC’s first time playing on the continent, and they managed to qualify for the quarterfinals on their first try. Zito expressed his pride in the young team, “More than happy aside from the first try, they are young boys I took from the second division. And the only experienced player is the captain.
He has played for Al Ahly before in Zamalek. The one with the band. Aside from the fact that they are all young boys, I use my experience as a coach and as an ex player who have been through. I’ve won the cup before when it was the other way round. So seriously, we are very happy to be honest with you, though, if I had won, it would have been better. But at the end of the day, the bottom line is to qualify. So whether I’m beaten or not, I’ve qualified myself and not even qualified alone. Topping the table, a young club like this.”
This match has undoubtedly left a significant mark in the annals of the CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing the determination and resilience of both teams. As the competition progresses, football enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly watching the unfolding events.
