The Ghana Premier League side has booked a place in the last four following the 3-2 win over Stade Malien in the quarterfinals.

They become the first Ghanaian side to reach the last four of the competition since 2005 and Antwi has attributed their success to hard work and determination.

“I believe it’s the determination and hard work factor,” he said when quizzed about the secret behind the team’s performances by CAF’s media team.

“Looking at how the lads keep working hard every day with the help of the technical team led by the experienced coach Abdul Karim Zito and also how the management and everyone in the club has supported the journey so far.

“Not forgetting the support and prayers from the fans across the nation and beyond,” he added.

Antwi scored twice in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie which Dreams won 2-1 in Bamako before settling for a 1-1 draw at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The 31-year-old came home to represent his previous team Dreams FC in their inaugural continental club championship and has contributed to six goals and two assists so far.

Meanwhile, Dreams will play Egyptian side Zamalek in the semis of the competition later this month with the first leg scheduled for April 21 at the Cairo International Stadium.

Having secured their spot in the last four by overcoming Stade Malien with a 3-2 aggregate victory, Dreams FC has made history as the first Ghanaian club to reach this stage under the current tournament format.

The Still Believe side has garnered noteworthy achievements throughout its debut campaign in the competition.

Antwi, who boasts experience from his time in the Egyptian League with Al-Ahly SC, Pyramids FC, and Ismaily SC, acknowledged the prowess of teams hailing from North Africa.

“It won’t be easy because I’ve been in Egypt. I know how their game is and I know the team Zamalek, I know the quality they have, the players they have, so going to meet one of these clubs, I think it’s going to be difficult” he told Citi Sports.

Despite recognizing the formidable challenge ahead, Antwi expressed confidence in his team’s ability to prepare adequately and face Zamalek.

“We are going to prepare and meet them and I believe in the boys,” he added.

The first leg of the encounter is set to take place at the Cairo International Stadium on April 21, with the reverse fixture scheduled at the Baba Yara Stadium seven days later.

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He joined the club as a free agent ahead of the new football season.

However, Antwi scored the second goal that helped Dreams FC come back from a goal down to beat Guinea club, Milo FC 2-1 in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, August 27.

“First of all the goal was not for me alone but for the team and I think it has helped the team to go to the next stage,” he said after the game.

“So like from the beginning, I am coming to help the team with the little experience I have in Africa because I have been to the CAF Champions League final, I have been to the Confederation Cup final so I know how the terrain is.

“Mine is just to help the team to go forward at least to the group stage. This is what we are working on and I know God willing we will get there,” he added.

Dreams FC qualified via a 3-2 aggregate after both legs – the first leg ended 1-1 in Guinea with the reverse producing a 2-1 win for the FA Cup winners.

John Antwi has played for the likes of Ismaily, Al Ahly, Pyramids, and Misr El Makasa with a brief spell at Saudi Arabia outfit, Al Shabab

He made a return to Egypt with Al Gaish before signing a deal for the Iranian club, Al Faisaly.

Meanwhile, Dreams FC will face Sierra Leonean side, Khallon FC in the second round of the preliminary games.

The 28-year-old has had rare game time with the Black Stars despite his prolific goal-scoring prowess in the Egyptian league.

Coach Akonnor unearthed him during his stint with second-tier side Eleven Wise in 2011.

In an interview with ghanafa.org on Friday, coach Akonnor said Antwi deserves a chance in the team.

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“John Antwi, Odartey and I unearthed him at Eleven Wise and since then, he has done well for himself. The last time we had the call-ups, he was not part of the team because I was not personally too convinced, he should be a part of the team at that time.

“I am looking at consistency with the team and now I think he has proven beyond doubt he is good, scored over 100 goals, now I think 102.

“He deserves a chance because he has done well. The Egyptian league is not an easy league that you can just ignore. He has done well and deserves a chance.

“All these new guys have the chance; we want people who can help us improve and also win the AFCON,” he said.

The former Dreams FC forward achieved the feat after scoring for Pyramids FC in their 2-1 defeat to El-Gouna on Sunday. 

Antwi achieved impressive record after playing for four clubs since he arrived in the North African country from Sekondi Eleven Wise in 2012. 

He scored 35 goals in three years for his first club, Ismaily SC. Antwi then left Egypt in January 2015 for a short stint with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.

The 28-year-old returned in July to sign for El Ahly. He scored 11 goals in his first season before being loaned out three times.

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He spent all three loan spells at Misr El Makasa, where he scored 40 goals.

His prolific goalscoring form earned him a big-money move to Pyramids FC in July 2019. Thus far, he has scored 14 goals.

In 2018, he became the highest-scoring foreigner in the league when he scored his 63rd goal to surpass compatriot Ernest Papa Arko.

Despite his exploits in Egypt, Antwi is yet to receive a Black Stars call-up.