Gumani FC has won the 2026 MTN Ghana Savannah Fest football gala, defeating Sakasaka FC 2–0 in the final at NOBISCO Park in Tamale.
The victory earned Gumani FC a cash prize of GH¢20,000, while Sakasaka FC received GH¢10,000 as runners-up. Sabonjida FC finished third with GH¢5,000, with Shishegu FC placing fourth.
The football gala formed part of activities marking MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary, celebrated under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You, Our Customers.”
The 2026 Savannah Fest, which ran from September 18 to October 3, featured a range of activities including football, entertainment, a community clean-up, a health walk and free health screening.
This year’s football competition was expanded to 16 community teams, compared with four teams in the previous edition. The participating communities included Gumani, Sakasaka, Kakpagyili, Lamashegu, Kanvili, Aboabo, Bayanwaya, Shishegu, Zogbeli, Dagbondabi Fong, Tolon, Sabonjida, Sanzirigu, Dungu, Nyohini and Poloya.
The tournament provided an opportunity for communities in and around Tamale, Sagnarigu and Tolon to come together while giving local football talents a platform to showcase their abilities.
In the semi-finals, Sakasaka FC drew 1–1 with Sabonjida FC before advancing on penalties, while Gumani FC defeated Shishegu FC 2–0 to secure their place in the final.
Speaking to Fiila News after the final, Gumani FC coach Abdul Latif Wakil attributed the team’s success to lessons learned from their previous campaign.
“We played the last time and came fourth. When we went back, we decided to go to the drawing table and look at how we could play harder this year. That is what made us win this year.”
Coach Wakil also appealed to MTN Ghana to involve football experts in future editions of the tournament to identify promising players who could be given opportunities to participate in bigger competitions.
Sakasaka FC coach Baba Adini expressed disappointment over the final result but said his team would return stronger in future editions.
He said the team started the competition strongly and performed well but was unable to secure the desired result in the final.
Meanwhile, MTN Retail Experience Manager for the Northern Sector, Kwame Aseye, described the football gala as one of the highlights of the month-long Savannah Fest celebration.
He said expanding the tournament to 16 teams helped bring more communities together and created a bigger platform for local football talents.
“The month-long Savannah Fest activities culminated with a football gala that was particularly special because it coincided with the organization’s 30th anniversary. This year’s football gala was expanded from eight teams to sixteen teams, bringing communities together, promoting unity, and providing a platform for local talents to showcase their abilities.”
Mr. Aseye said Savannah Fest has been organised for more than a decade, while the football gala has been a key component of the festival for nearly ten years.
He expressed satisfaction with this year’s celebration and promised an even bigger and more exciting Savannah Fest next year.
Final Standings
- Gumani FC – GH¢20,000
- Sakasaka FC – GH¢10,000
- Sabonjida FC – GH¢5,000
- Shishegu FC
Other Savannah Fest Activities
Other activities organised as part of the 2026 Savannah Fest included a music concert on September 19, a community clean-up exercise on September 25, and a health walk and free health screening on September 26 at Jubilee Park.
The health screening covered areas including blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index and eye checks.
MTN Ghana says the Savannah Fest is aimed at bringing communities together, promoting sports and healthy lifestyles, celebrating Northern Ghanaian culture, supporting sporting talent and strengthening the company’s relationship with its customers and communities.
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/Zaaghana.com
