Ampem Darkoa Ladies Secure Vital Opening Win Against ASEC Mimosas in WAFU B Qualifiers

Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies have commenced their 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign on a high note, defeating the defending champions, ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire, in their opening Group B fixture. A solitary first-half strike from Gloria Adomako was enough to secure all three points for the Ghanaian side in the tournament being hosted in Burkina Faso. The victory provides a significant boost for Head Coach Charles Anokye’s squad as they aim to reclaim regional dominance and secure a spot in the continental showpiece.

The match was a tense affair, characterized by resilient defending and clinical finishing. While Gloria Adomako’s decisive goal set the tone, it was the heroics of goalkeeper Rose Baah that ensured the lead remained intact. Baah delivered several crucial saves throughout the encounter to maintain a clean sheet against a formidable Ivorian attack. ASEC Mimosas had a golden opportunity to level the scores early in the match via a penalty, but the Ivorian side failed to convert, a miss that proved costly as Ampem Darkoa held firm until the final whistle.

Group B presents a challenging path for the 'Nanamma,' with the Ghanaian champions drawn alongside regional powerhouses such as Nigeria’s Edo Queens and AS Garde Nationale of Niger. Before the tournament began, both Coach Anokye and captain Victoria Banful expressed high levels of optimism, stressing the importance of a top-two finish to advance to the knockout stages. This opening result validates their confidence and places them in a strong position within the group standings as they pursue their goal of reaching the tournament final.

Looking ahead, Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to their second group game against AS Garde Nationale of Niger, scheduled for August 27, 2026. With three points already in the bag, another victory would put the team in a commanding position to guarantee progression to the semi-finals. As the tournament continues in Burkina Faso, the Ghanaian representatives remain focused on their ultimate objective: returning to the CAF Women’s Champions League stage.