After Zamalek defeated Dreams FC to secure their spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final, Jose Gomez praised the Egyptian team’s big-game mindset.
After a goalless first leg in Cairo, the White Knights destroyed the Ghanaian upstarts 3-0 in Kumasi on Sunday to set up a showpiece matchup with either USM Alger or Berkane.
Dreams’ incredible fairytale run in this season’s league came to an end when Zamalek defeated Dreams thanks to goals from Mustafa Shalaby, Hamza Mathlouthi, and Samson Akinyoola in a beautiful volley.
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“We worked hard and came to win, and I said before the match that when everything is under our control, we can perform at the best level possible for us,” Gomez said after the resounding victory.
“The two wingers and full-backs positioned themselves well and helped the team in the defensive situation, so we were strong defensively.”
Dreams held strong in the first leg, frustrating Zamalek, but the Egyptians were brutal in Kumasi to emphasise their dominance as continental giants.
“I saw a lot of different things from the start. We created spaces and deserved to win,” added the Portuguese coach.
“Dreams played a good match and attacked well, and Mohamed Awad blocked several chances, in addition to the defense that prevented more than one chance.”
After Mathlouthi’s early goal, Dreams recovered, but Akinyoola’s magnificent left-footed goal on minute 27 essentially finished the match as a battle.
“Zamalek did not take advantage of the opportunities it had in the first leg, and we succeeded in dealing with the return match well,” admitted Gomez.
“We were the best and deserved to win the match and qualify for the final.
Zamalek might look forward to their first Confederation Cup final appearance since 2019 after Shalaby’s late goal sealed the victory.
“Zamalek is looking forward to winning the title, and we will do our best to win the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup,” said Gomez.
Dreams’ amazing continental competition debut campaign comes to an end with a crushing defeat that leaves them feeling both disappointed and proud.
Gomez’s wisecracking side was just too good for them to muster the heroics that saw them take out giants Stade Malien.
The head of Zamalek was quick to commend Dreams’ efforts and point out his team’s tenacity when it counted.
“We worked hard and came to win,” he reiterated.
“When everything is under our control, we can perform at the best level.”
When Zamalek secured their spot in yet another African final in Kumasi, they did just that—they asserted control over the proceedings.