The city of Bouaké has launched two exciting football tournaments to mark the 2025 holiday season, bringing together local talent and fostering community spirit across the central Ivorian city.
The events, held under the banners of the First Lady Dominique Ouattara Trophy for pupils and the Mayor Amadou Koné Trophy for district teams, began with thrilling opening matches that set a high standard for the competitions.
In the pupils’ tournament, the CHAO Espoir Training Center of Bouaké (CFECB) narrowly defeated the Caïman Training Center of Bouaké (CFCB) 4-3, while in the districts’ tournament, the Ahougnansou district team triumphed over Air France with a 4-2 scoreline.
Each tournament features 16 teams, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, 30 August 2025. Organisers hope the events will not only highlight footballing talent but also strengthen ties within the community.
Diaby Aboubacar, Bouaké’s 4th deputy mayor representing Mayor Amadou Koné, emphasised the social significance of the competitions. “Beyond their sporting nature, these tournaments are a meeting of fraternity, fair play and social cohesion.
They constitute proof that football, a universal language, can unite beyond our differences, strengthen our coexistence and build bridges between generations,” he said.
Marie Chantal Dégri, director of the town hall’s sociocultural and human development department, highlighted the tournaments’ broader objectives.
“These competitions aim to mobilize local talent, encourage team spirit, and boost the town’s sociocultural and sporting life,” she said, underscoring the importance of nurturing youth engagement through sport.
Residents and spectators turned out in large numbers to witness the opening matches, with cheers echoing across the stadiums as local teams displayed skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
As Bouaké prepares for the final rounds later this month, organisers hope the tournaments will leave a lasting impact, not just in the form of football victories, but as a celebration of unity, local pride, and the transformative power of sport.
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