Gumani FC emerged victorious in the 2026 MTN Ghana Savannah Fest football gala, defeating Sakasaka FC 2-0 in the final at NOBISCO Park in Tamale. The win earned Gumani FC a cash prize of GH¢20,000. The football gala was part of MTN Ghana's 30th anniversary celebrations, themed "30 Years of Progress, Powered by You, Our Customers." The tournament featured 16 community teams, an increase from four teams in the previous edition.
The 2026 Savannah Fest, which ran from September 18 to October 3, included various activities such as entertainment, a community clean-up, a health walk, and free health screening. The participating communities were Gumani, Sakasaka, Kakpagyili, Lamashegu, Kanvili, Aboabo, Bayanwaya, Shishegu, Zogbeli, Dagbondabi Fong, Tolon, Sabonjida, Sanzirigu, Dungu, Nyohini, and Poloya. The tournament provided a platform for local football talents to showcase their abilities and brought communities together.
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. Sabonjida FC finished third with a cash prize of GH¢5,000, and Shishegu FC placed fourth. Gumani FC coach Abdul Latif Wakil attributed the team's success to lessons learned from their previous campaign.
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.
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.
Kwame Aseye also mentioned that the Savannah Fest has been organized for over a decade, with the football gala being a key component for nearly ten years. He expressed satisfaction with this year's celebration and promised an even bigger and more exciting Savannah Fest next year.
The Savannah Fest aims to bring communities together, promote sports and healthy lifestyles, celebrate Northern Ghanaian culture, support sporting talent, and strengthen MTN Ghana's relationship with its customers and communities. Other activities organized as part of the 2026 Savannah Fest included a music concert, a community clean-up exercise, and a health walk and free health screening.
Key points
- Gumani FC won the 2026 MTN Ghana Savannah Fest football gala, defeating Sakasaka FC 2-0 in the final.
- The tournament featured 16 community teams, an increase from four teams in the previous edition.
- The Savannah Fest aims to promote sports, healthy lifestyles, and Northern Ghanaian culture, while supporting sporting talent and strengthening MTN Ghana's relationship with its customers and communities.
