The first edition of the World Cola Maracana Madness kicked off on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with an exciting opener at the Paglayiri district field in Ouagadougou.
SOZHAKOF, representing Tanghin, defeated Kilwin-based Frères Sang 2-0 in a highly competitive 25-minute-per-half match, setting the tone for the tournament.
The game drew around a hundred football enthusiasts, who witnessed a display of technical skill and determination from both sides. SOZHAKOF’s experience and cohesion proved decisive, with captain Abdoul Aziz Ilboudo praising the initiative.
“First of all, I am very happy with this initiative because it mobilizes young people, it strengthens the bonds between them, and football also contributes to the well-being of the body.
Our goal is to reach the final and win the trophy,” he said.
The tournament, running from August 23 to September 20, 2025, features 16 teams in a festive environment aimed at keeping youth active and engaged during the holiday season.
“With Folie de Maracana World Cola, it’s our way of encouraging these Burkinabe youth during these vacation times so that they don’t get involved in wasteful, unhealthy activities.
Football is a healthy activity and this competition allows young people to fraternize around the football that we all love,” said Kader Traoré, president of the organizing committee.
The event also blends sporting competition with cultural engagement. Alongside football matches, attendees can enjoy musical entertainment and a clothing competition recognising the best-dressed supporter in team colours.
Frères Sang captain Assami Nikièma acknowledged the competitive spirit of the tournament despite his team’s early exit. “It was a great match, but luck did not smile on us tonight.
I would like to congratulate the organizers of this competition for this great initiative. It will greatly help the youth of Ouagadougou. We were eliminated, but next year, we will try to do better than that,” he said.
Financial incentives further heighten the stakes: the winning team will receive one million FCFA, the runner-up 500,000 FCFA, the third-placed team 300,000 FCFA, and the fourth 200,000 FCFA.
Organisers hope this mix of sport, culture, and reward will make the inaugural World Cola Maracana Madness a highlight of Ouagadougou’s holiday calendar.
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