Ghana’s Thelma Baffour Atuah Clinches CAF Women’s Champions League Title with TP Mazembe

Ghanaian forward Thelma Baffour Atuah has made history by helping her Congolese club, TP Mazembe, clinch the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League title. In a thrilling final against their long-time rivals, ASFAR Club, TP Mazembe came out on top, winning with a crucial early goal from Marlene Yav. This victory marks TP Mazembe’s first-ever Champions League title, a monumental achievement for the Central African side.
Baffour, who has become a household name in the Congolese Premier League, once again showcased her exceptional skills and influence on the pitch. Her contributions throughout the competition were key to her club’s success, and her performance in the final was nothing short of outstanding. Lamia Boumehdi, the head coach of TP Mazembe, commended Baffour for her consistency and quality, stating that her presence in the squad had a significant impact on their triumph. Throughout the tournament, Baffour maintained a constant threat in the attacking third, keeping opposition defenses on edge every time she entered the final third.
The young Ghanaian forward was an integral part of the team, playing in all five of TP Mazembe’s games during their Champions League campaign. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and pressure the opposing defense played a significant role in securing the team’s victory. TP Mazembe’s success in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League has now solidified Baffour’s place as one of the top talents in African women’s football.
In addition to her continental triumph, Thelma Baffour’s 2024 season has been a year of remarkable achievements. Alongside the CAF Women’s Champions League, Baffour also won the 2024 DR Congo President’s Cup, the Women’s Premier League, and the UNIFFAC (Union of Central African Football Federations) tournament with TP Mazembe. These victories have further enhanced her reputation as one of the brightest stars in African women’s football.
Baffour’s rise to prominence began with Jonina Football Academy in Ghana, where she played a pivotal role in helping the club secure promotion from the Greater Accra Division One League to the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League. Her outstanding performances in Ghana caught the attention of TP Mazembe, and she made the move to the Congolese side, where she has since flourished. This journey from Ghanaian football to continental and international recognition highlights Baffour’s talent, determination, and work ethic.
Now, with her success at TP Mazembe, Baffour has set her sights on representing her country at the senior level. She has expressed her desire to play for the Black Queens, Ghana’s national women’s football team, calling it a “dream come true” to represent her country on the international stage. Having already contributed significantly to Ghana’s junior national teams, Baffour’s achievements in the CAF Women’s Champions League and her other titles have made her a strong candidate for future call-ups to the Black Queens.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Sports, Baffour reflected on her incredible 2024 journey. “This has been my year,” she said. “My performance in this tournament speaks volumes about the hard work I’ve put in. I gave my all to support my club, and I am overjoyed that we’ve achieved this together.” Baffour also revealed her aspirations to play in Europe’s top leagues, stating that she dreams of showcasing her talents in one of the leading European women’s football competitions in the future.
Baffour’s success with TP Mazembe not only highlights her personal growth as a footballer but also shines a light on the rising profile of Ghanaian women in football. With her incredible achievements this year, Baffour is set to become one of the most recognized players in African women’s football. Her performance in the CAF Women’s Champions League is just the beginning, and with her ambition to continue growing in the sport, it is clear that she has a bright future ahead.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Ghanaian women who aspire to reach the heights of international football, and Baffour’s path from local league football to continental glory underscores the power of perseverance, talent, and dedication. As she looks ahead to representing Ghana at the senior level and continuing her career in Europe, there is little doubt that Thelma Baffour Atuah’s best is yet to come.