MTN’s Savana Fest ends in Tamale with Gumani FC thrashing Sakasaka in the finals of gala competition

Gumani FC, have been crowned champions after beating their Sakasaka neighbours in a ( 2- 0) victory during the grand finale of the 2026 edition of MTN Ghana’s Savanna Fest soccer competition, which took place in Tamale, over the weekend.

The champions from the Gumani community put up a spirited performance that earned them the ultimate on the field of play, thus a bragging rights – a golden handshake of GHC 20, 000 cedis and a gaint trophy.

Unlucky for the second time, after losing narrowly in last year’s Savanna Fest final game; Sakasaka FC were hoping this time, to return home with the converted prize, but their opponents denied them that chance. They recieved GHC 10,000

In an earlier game, the team from Sabonjida beat the Shishegu community for the third position, thus receiving a take home prize of GHC 5000 cedis.

In all, 16 teams from communities in the Tamale metropolis, Sagnarigu Municipality and Tolon District of the Northern Region participated in the soccer competition organized by the largest mobile operator, MTN Ghana, as part of its Savana Fest, which celebrates culture and reward customers for thier loyalty.

When the refereee for the match blew his final whistle, at the Nobisco Park, there was wild jubilation from both the players and their supporters who took over the pitch in excitement.

Though disappointed by the outcome, the Sakasaka side, had equally shown resilience throughout the 90 minutes. They however missed a few chances to put the ball in the back of the net of thier opponents from Gumani.

All finalists in addition to their cash rewards were decorated with medals. Messrs Adam Mohamed of Gumani FC was adjudged best player and he recieved a trophy. Best goalie went to Sakasaka’s Salifu Malzuk with his teammate Abdul Nasir Abdul Fataw receiving the trophy for goal king, with a record of four scores throughout the tournament.

According to the organisers; MTN Ghaba, it’s been a month-long of exciting events that characterized this year’s Savanna Fest.

Retail Experience Manager for the North, at MTN-Ghana, Kwame Aseye Akude, commended all the participating teams for their discipline and sportsmanship, which made the competition successful.

According to Mr Akude, the significance of this year’s event is the fact that it coincides with MTN’s 30th anniversary celebration, where customers are being appreciated for the progress made so far.

He stated that in addition to uniting the comunities, the gala competition had helped to unearth talents that could be harnessed for the good of society.

Among others, this years Savana Fest had activities which included the community gala competition, a musical concert, health walk which drew some community keep fit clubs a and health screeniing which benefited some residents in the Tamale metropolis.

Story By: Nelson Adanuti Nyadror |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana.