Érika Gnounoué (ASEC Mimosas): “Nothing is impossible in the Champions League.”

Pride, responsibility, and ambition define the words of Érika Gnounoué, captain of ASEC Mimosas, as she prepares to lead the club’s women’s team into uncharted territory — their first-ever appearance in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

At just 25, Gnounoué embodies the spirit of leadership, determination, and unity that has driven ASEC Mimosas to this historic milestone. With composure and conviction, she reflects on the team’s journey, their preparation, and the weight of representing not only a legendary club but also the first generation of ASEC women to reach Africa’s biggest stage.

“It’s a huge honour to be part of the first ASEC Mimosas women’s team to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League,” says Gnounoué. “We are proud to represent Côte d’Ivoire, and we want to show that with determination and teamwork, nothing is impossible.”

Having conquered the national championship and fought through a demanding WAFU B qualifying campaign, the “Actionnaires” sealed their ticket to the continental finals through resilience and collective discipline. 

CAFOnline.com: Érika, how do you feel as you prepare to lead ASEC Mimosas in its first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League campaign?

Érika Gnounoué: It’s an immense honour. As a team, we feel great pride in being the first generation of ASEC women to reach this stage. Representing our club and our country at this level is very special for all of us.

CAFOnline.com: Let’s go back to the qualifiers. What were the key moments when you realized that qualification was within reach?
Gnounoué: From the start of the tournament, we were highly motivated. As national champions, we carried big responsibility — we had to finish what we started. Match after match, we found strength in our unity and determination.

When we reached the semi-finals, we felt that anything was possible. We told ourselves: if we’ve come this far, why not go all the way? That belief carried us through to the final. It wasn’t easy, but our solidarity and team spirit made the difference.

CAFOnline.com: How has this journey changed you personally, especially as team captain?

Gnounoué: It has changed me a lot. Being captain of ASEC’s first team to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League is not something everyone gets to experience. We’ve written a piece of history together. Winning the national title and qualifying for Africa’s top competition has taught me so much.

Being captain isn’t just about what happens on the pitch — it’s also about guiding, encouraging, and supporting the team through difficult times. A true leader must know how to unite and inspire the group, even when things get tough.

CAFOnline.com: What goals has ASEC set for this historic debut?
Gnounoué: We’re not here to make up the numbers. As our coach said, we want to show our quality and play our football. We know there will be challenges and new experiences, but nothing is impossible. Our goal is to honour Côte d’Ivoire and the club through our commitment and performance.

CAFOnline.com: The winner of this edition will qualify for the first-ever FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in England. How do you view that global opportunity?

Gnounoué: It’s a wonderful prospect. We’ve been working hard and preparing seriously, applying everything our coach has taught us. Representing our country in England — the home of football — would be an incredible experience.

For now, our focus is on the upcoming tournament, but we’ll take it one step at a time. What’s certain is that we’ll give everything for our club and our country.

CAFOnline.com: Finally, what message would you like to send to ASEC Mimosas supporters and Ivorian fans?
Gnounoué: A big thank you to all our supporters — your encouragement gives us so much strength. Knowing that people believe in us is a huge motivation. We feel your presence, even from afar, and it pushes us to do our best.

We’ll continue to work hard to represent ASEC Mimosas with pride and make every supporter proud. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With determination, unity, and the belief that nothing is impossible, ASEC Mimosas steps confidently into its maiden CAF Women’s Champions League campaign.