N/R: Gumani Crowned MTN Savannah Fest Football Gala Champions
Gumani have been crowned champions of the MTN Savannah Fest Football Gala after defeating Shishegu 2-0 in the final at the Nobisco School Park in Tamale.
Gumani sealed the victory with two second-half goals, with Zakaria Seidu breaking the deadlock before Adam Mohammed added the second to secure the title. Sabonjida claimed third place after edging Shishegu 1-0, with Abdul Latif Fuseini scoring the decisive goal in the final minute.
The tournament, organised as part of the MTN Savannah Fest celebrations, brought together communities through football, with MTN Ghana presenting a trophy and cash prizes to the top three teams. This year’s edition also coincided with the company’s 30th anniversary.
Speaking to the media after the final, MTN Retail Experience Manager for the Northern Sector, Mr. Aseye Kwami Akude, described the competition as special, citing the strong sense of unity and togetherness among the participating communities. He expressed optimism that next year’s tournament would be bigger and better.
Gumani head coach Abdul Wakil said the team returned to the competition with renewed determination after finishing fourth in last year’s edition. He explained that their initial target was to secure a medal, but the players’ commitment and performance enabled them to win the ultimate prize.
Coach Wakil appealed to the organisers to introduce player-support initiatives to help talented footballers from the participating communities pursue their professional ambitions. He added that the GHS 20,000 prize money would first be presented to community leaders for blessings before the team decides how to utilise it.
Gumani received the winners’ trophy and GHS 20,000, while runners-up Shishegu took home GHS 10,000. Third-placed Sabonjida received GHS 5,000, with gold, silver and bronze medals presented to the respective teams. Individual awards were also presented to the tournament’s best player, top scorer and best goalkeeper.
The final followed an exciting semi-final stage, where Gumani defeated Shishegu 2-0 to book their place in the title decider, while Sakasaka overcame Sabonjida on penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 in regulation time.
Sakasaka, who finished as runners-up in last year’s competition, had taken an early lead against Sabonjida before their opponents equalised in the second half. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Sakasaka triumphed 3-2, with their goalkeeper saving two spot-kicks.
Sakasaka head coach Baba Adiini expressed delight at reaching the final but admitted that fatigue contributed to his side conceding the equaliser. He said the team was determined to build on last year’s performance and go one step further by winning the trophy.
Ahead of the final, MTN Ghana presented jerseys to all four semi-finalists as part of preparations for the concluding matches of the tournament.
The MTN Savannah Fest Football Gala continues to provide a platform for community engagement, sporting talent and unity, with Gumani emerging as champions of this year’s edition.
Source: Northwebonline.com/Sham Fuseini
