Ampem Darkoa captain Victoria Banful is confident her side will secure all three points when they face ASEC Mimosas in their opening CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying game
Banful says the Ghanaian champions have travelled with a clear objective of progressing to the next stage of the competition, but their ambitions do not end with qualification.
“We’ve been here for a long time and we came here with an intention. I am here with my team and we are going to qualify for the World Cup stage,” Banful said.
“We are not just going to qualify, but we want to go back home with a trophy.”
The captain believes Ampem Darkoa are in a strong position ahead of the crucial encounter, pointing to the positive atmosphere and unity within the squad.
According to Banful, regular meetings and communication among the players have helped build confidence and ensure the team is mentally prepared for the challenge.
“We’ve been having a lot of meetings, communication and talking to each other. I know the mood in the camp is very high and the spirit is high. We are all prepared and ready for the match” she said.
Banful also highlighted the importance of the experienced players in the squad, revealing that the senior members have been sharing their knowledge of the competition with the younger players.
“The senior players have been telling us many things because they have experience in this tournament before. So we always have good conversations with them in the camp,” she explained.
The Ampem Darkoa captain expects a competitive encounter against ASEC, but believes the two teams have similarities in their approach to the game.
“They play like us because we dominate. We have the ball and we try to move forward. That’s how we do it too,” Banful said.
Despite the quality of the opposition, she remains convinced that Ampem Darkoa can emerge victorious.
“…. I want you guys to experience many things. We are fighters, we are players and we are a team. We are going to take the three points after the game,” she declared.
Banful also drew confidence from the team’s preparations and previous experience against ASEC, insisting that Ampem Darkoa know their opponents well.
“We are prepared. The sports we are playing are training grounds. That’s what makes me very confident that we are going to win,” she said.
“We have played with them before, and I have been to this tournament at least 10 times. So I know them and they know us. That’s why I am so confident.”
With a strong start viewed as crucial to Ampem Darkoa’s qualification hopes, Banful has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the team.
“My message is to support us. You should expect that we are going to make them proud” she added.
Ampem Darkoa will now look to turn their captain’s confidence into action when they take on ASEC Mimosas, with three points firmly in their sights.
