The 4th edition of the Football Ensemble Main dans la Main (FEMM) tournament concluded on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with FC Namalgzanga emerging as the champion. The team defeated the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources, and Fisheries (MAERAH) 4-2 in the final match held at the King Karpala stadium in Ouagadougou. The tournament, which started on August 8, 2026, brought together six teams that competed in a friendly and fair-play atmosphere.
This year's edition was held under the theme "Sovereignty and Economic Resilience: Public-Private Partnership for Development Security." The tournament's main prize was the Unity Trophy, which symbolizes the organizers' goal of using sports to unite different segments of society. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the defense and security forces, Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), and local business owners.
The tournament's promoter, Karim Ouédraogo, stated that the initiative aimed to strengthen ties between different entities in the nation and promote social cohesion. He expressed satisfaction with the involvement of the defense and security forces and VDP in the tournament, which has become an annual event. Ouédraogo announced plans to expand the tournament to other structures in Ouagadougou and several provinces in Burkina Faso.
The final match was preceded by a gala match between Coris Bank International and small and medium-sized enterprises. The tournament featured various activities, including health initiatives and awareness campaigns, which gave the event a broader dimension beyond sports. The winners, FC Namalgzanga, received trophies, medals, and other prizes, including balls, jerseys, and envelopes.
FC Namalgzanga's captain, Ludovic Bonkoungou, attributed their victory to the team's collective effort and spirit. He emphasized that the team's strategy was based on collective play and teamwork, which ultimately led to their success. The team's win was met with enthusiasm from their supporters, who celebrated their victory.
The 4th edition of FEMM was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie and fair play among the participating teams. The tournament's organizers reported a satisfactory outcome and expressed gratitude to all participants, including the teams, officials, and supporters. The event demonstrated the power of sports to bring people together and promote unity.
The FEMM tournament has become an annual event, with each edition growing in scope and participation. The promoter, Karim Ouédraogo, expressed optimism about the tournament's future, citing plans to expand its reach and involve more teams and stakeholders. The 4th edition's success has set the stage for future editions, which promise to promote social cohesion and national unity through sports.
Key points
- FC Namalgzanga won the 4th edition of the Football Main dans la Main tournament, defeating MAERAH 4-2 in the final match.
- The tournament promoted social cohesion and national unity through sports, with a focus on collective play and teamwork.
- The event featured various activities, including health initiatives and awareness campaigns, which gave it a broader dimension beyond sports.
