Ampem Darkoa coach has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of their crucial CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying encounter against ASEC Mimosas.
The Ghanaian side are aiming to navigate a highly competitive group and secure qualification to the next stage, with the ultimate ambition of representing Ghana in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
According to the coach, Ampem Darkoa have made significant progress in their preparations, with the squad now physically, tactically and mentally ready for the challenge.
“We are ready, and we have put the girls in shape. In terms of team cohesion, tactical understanding and mentally, they are ready to fight for Ghana,” he said.
The coach acknowledged the quality of the teams in the group, describing it as a “group of death”, but insisted Ampem Darkoa are determined to make a positive start and approach each match with confidence.
“If you want to be the best, you have to also try to beat the best. We are ready, and we hope to qualify for the group,” he added.
Ampem Darkoa have also studied their opponents closely, with the technical team analysing videos of ASEC Mimosas to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
The coach highlighted ASEC’s attacking threat, particularly their use of the right flank and their ability to transition quickly.
“Their midfield and attack, especially the right side, attack a lot using their wingers. Their strikers are also very quick. They are very quick in transition,” he explained.
Ampem Darkoa’s strategy, therefore, will be centred on limiting the spaces available to ASEC while attempting to control possession and impose their own style of play.
“What we are trying to do is stop them by not allowing them a lot of space to play. At least we can neutralise their movement, dominate and then play our game,” the coach said.
The Ghanaian tactician also promised that Ampem Darkoa would seek to combine attractive football with a clear purpose.
“What Ghanaians should expect from our football is that we are coming to exhibit good football, not just good football, but good football with purpose,” he said.
The coach believes his squad possesses a healthy combination of experience and youthful energy, qualities he hopes will prove decisive during the competition.
“We’ve been able to blend. We have a lot of experience, and the game is for youth. We have those who are quick, a lot of creative players, and then those who can also finish and defend very well,” he stated.
Despite the respect shown to ASEC, the Ampem Darkoa coach remains confident that his team can overcome the Ivorian side.
“I am very much confident that my team will override ASEC’s concept tomorrow,” he declared.
He also welcomed the respect shown by the ASEC coach towards Ampem Darkoa, particularly given the Ghanaian club’s previous experience in the competition.
However, he stressed that respect would not mean complacency.
“Football, you need to respect each other, especially your opponent and the officials. But you also need to be cautious enough not to lie down and say that maybe they are coming as an underdog,” he said.
“We are confident that we also give them the same respect. But as for the game, we don’t want to give any chance. We are coming all out, clear our game out, and see what will happen at the end of the day.”
With qualification for the next stage and a potential place in the CAF Women’s Champions League at stake, Ampem Darkoa will be hoping their preparation, tactical discipline and blend of experience and youth can carry them through a demanding test.
