Sissili: FC SONABEL has secured the 4th edition of the Unity Cup, emerging victorious against AS Police in a tense final decided by penalties at the Zio Abdoulaye municipal stadium. Following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time, the decisive penalty shootout saw FC SONABEL clinch the win with a single goal, earning them the prestigious trophy, a new set of jerseys, medals, and a cash prize of 100,000 francs.
According to Burkina Information Agency, AS Police, representing Leo, received a set of jerseys, a ball, and 60,000 francs as runners-up. This year’s tournament was themed “sport, lever of social cohesion, peace and development, school of life which teaches discipline and excellence”, and it successfully fulfilled its mission of promoting unity and fraternity among the 24 teams that participated.
The final’s opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Sissili’s High Commissioner, Tewende Isaac Sia, with the blessing of His Majesty Lio-Pio Dan-Zwe, symbolizing a union between public administration and traditional chieftaincy to promote social values. Notable attendees included Hadja Salia Abibata, president of the board of directors of the Nununa federation, and the event’s sponsor.
Support for the event came from various quarters, including the CEO of “Eau Dieu Merci” and guests of honor such as Evariste Diasso, Vice-president of the Finance Committee of the Burkinabe Football Federation, and Doctor Hyacinthe Ouedraogo. High Commissioner Sia praised the initiative, emphasizing sport’s role as a powerful tool for unity, self-improvement, and education about peace and citizenship.
The match, witnessed by a packed stadium, was marked by an intense contest between the two teams, highlighting the players’ determination to succeed. The event featured cultural and musical entertainment, enhancing its festive and unifying atmosphere.
The Unity Cup demonstrated once more the power of sport to bridge differences and unite diverse community segments, contributing to peace and local development. In a gesture of goodwill, promoter Kassoum Sissao, known as “Kass la Fouine”, donated 15 school kits to internally displaced students. Initiated four years ago by Sissao, the Unity Cup aims to promote peace, social cohesion, and community life through an annual football tournament in Sissili province, engaging teams from various corporations in Leo.