By: Kwame Bediako
Dreams FC have been ranked 26th in Africa and number one in Ghana according to the latest CAF Club Ranking for 2025. On their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, Dreams FC’s impressive journey to the semifinals has propelled them to become the highest-ranked Ghanaian club, overtaking the more illustrious Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, who failed to appear in the top 57.
The club’s unprecedented achievement stems from a remarkable campaign in the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup. Dreams FC, founded just 14 years ago in Dawu, made history by becoming the first Ghanaian side in two decades to reach the semifinals of this continental competition.
Although their run ended with a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Zamalek, the team’s hold to a goalless draw in Cairo and their spirited performances captured widespread admiration and boosted Ghana’s reputation in African club football.
This success story highlights the emergence of new contenders within Ghana’s football ecosystem. Dreams FC secured their continental entry by winning the Ghana FA Cup, eventually accumulating 12 ranking points, enough to vault them well above the more decorated clubs that have struggled to maintain continental relevance in recent years.
Medeama SC also received recognition, placing 51st after making their maiden entry into the group stages of the CAF Champions League, further underscoring the rise of previously less dominant clubs.
The stark absence of traditional heavyweights Asante Kotoko, two-time African Champions League winners, and Hearts of Oak, 2004 CAF Confederation Cup champions, from the ranking list signals a decline in their continental competitiveness.
Despite their rich histories and fanbases, both clubs have faltered in recent years, unable to advance past preliminary stages consistently. This contrast accentuates the evolving dynamics within Ghanaian football, where investment in youth development and strategic club management by teams like Dreams FC is beginning to bear fruit.
Meanwhile, continental giants Al Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, and Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis continue to set the benchmark atop the CAF rankings, showcasing established powerhouses beyond Ghana.
Dreams FC’s rise, however, offers hope not only to their fans but to Ghanaian football as a whole, signaling potential renewal and renewed continental competitiveness for the nation’s clubs if such momentum is sustained.
