National U-20 star, Thelma Baffour Atuah, a member of the TP Mazembe Women’s 1-0 that won the coveted CAF Women’s Champions League title, says the feat was a dream come true.
The DR Congo side defeated Moroccan side, AS FAR, to win what was her childhood dream.
Though no Ghanaian club has won the championship, Thelma becomes the second Ghanaian to lay hand on the trophy after Blessing Agbomadzi won the 2022 edition with AS FAR.
In a chat with the Times Sports yesterday, an excited Thelma expressed delight in the role she played in the win that saw Marlene Kasaj convert a spot kick to score the only goal of the game.
The 20-year-old former Jonina Football Academy and Berry Ladies attacker featured in all five games at the tournament, helping the underdogs to beat the former champions for their first ever continental title.
“It is a dream come true for me. I have harboured the dream of playing at the highest level and winning titles; I believe this is the first of many to come.”
According to her, achieving such a feat in her second season with the club was something she never anticipated but the hard work put in by all at the club made it possible.
Having featured for Ghana at the U-17 and U-20 levels, Thelma is dreaming of a call-up into the senior women’s team, the Black Queens, where she hopes to help the team to conquer Africa at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco 2025.
Ghana is making a return to the continental showpiece for the first time since hosting the 2018 edition and she believes Ghana has what it takes to go all out to win.
“Ghana has what it takes to do well at next year’s tournament. We have some great players to count on and with dedication and hard work, Ghana can leave a mark at the tournament.”
Before joining TP Mazembe Women, Thelma helped Jonina Football Academy gain promotion for the 2023/24 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
