Anokye hails Ampem Darkoa's 1-0 ASEC win in CAF qualifiers opener

Ampem Darkoa Ladies began their WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over defending champions ASEC Mimosas. Gloria Adomako’s 29th-minute header gave the Ghanaian champions three points in their opening Group B match.

Coach Charles Anokye described the result as a major boost for Ampem Darkoa’s hopes of reaching the next stage. He had placed strong importance on securing a positive opening result, with qualification depending on the group outcomes.

The win also gives the players confidence before their second fixture. Anokye’s approach was to ensure that his team competed with enough determination to avoid leaving their progress in the competition to a single uncertain result.

ASEC had an opportunity to take control early but failed to convert a penalty. Ampem Darkoa then took the lead through Adomako, whose first-half header proved decisive against the Ivorian champions.

The Ghanaian side had to defend that advantage for much of the remainder of the match. Goalkeeper Rose Baah produced several important saves as ASEC pushed for an equaliser, allowing Ampem Darkoa to preserve their narrow lead.

Ampem Darkoa will face AS Garde Nationale of Niger on Thursday in their next Group B encounter. Another victory would strengthen the champions’ position in the race to advance, while the opening win has already provided the start Anokye wanted.