Zabzugu came alive over two electrifying days of passion, color, and community spirit as the town’s AstroTurf became the heartbeat of the much-anticipated 2025 Yelzoli Damba Homecoming Football Gala.
What began as a cultural gathering quickly transformed into a festival of unity and excitement, drawing football clubs and enthusiastic supporters from across the district. The competition, held as part of this year’s Damba Festival, was jointly organized by the Association of Zabzugu People living in Tamale—popularly known as Zabzugu Away From Home (ZAFHO)—together with the Regent of the Yelzoli Traditional Area and CEO of Zaa Multimedia (Zaa TV Ghana and Zaa Radio 99.3 FM), Tung-Lana Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Umar.
For two days, Zabzugu township echoed with cheers, drums, and chants as supporters rallied behind their favorite teams. At stake was not only the championship trophy but also pride, recognition, and bragging rights—marking the first-ever gala of its kind to be held during the Damba Festival.
The battles on the turf were fierce, the matches fast-paced and uncompromising, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats. In the end, Yelizoli FC rose to the occasion, silencing their rivals to lift the coveted trophy. Kukpalgu FC fought valiantly to secure second place, Nasara FC claimed third, while Nahuyili FC settled for fourth.
But the gala was about more than just football. Addressing the crowd, ZAFHO Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Abdul-Majeed, emphasized that the true purpose of the event went beyond the scoreboard. He explained that the tournament was designed to achieve three key objectives: to cement peace and harmony among the various ethnic groups in Zabzugu District, to inspire the youth to take education and skills training seriously, and to balance community life with healthy recreation.
“There cannot be development without peace,” he stressed, urging young people to rise above ethnic divides and embrace a shared destiny.
Support for the event came from many quarters. The Regent of Yelzoli, the Member of Parliament for Zabzugu, Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Umar, and well-wishers from the Yelzoli diaspora all received commendation for their moral and financial contributions. Organizing teams from both Tamale and Zabzugu were also praised for their tireless commitment.
As the final whistle blew and Yelizoli FC proudly lifted their trophy, it became clear that the gala was not just a tournament—it was a powerful lesson in unity. The cheers that rang across the AstroTurf were more than victory songs; they were a resounding call for peace, progress, and a stronger Zabzugu.
