Ouagadougou: FC Dortmund clinched the Resilience and Living Together Cup on Saturday in Pila, overcoming FC Folbongou 1-0 in a tournament designed to promote social cohesion through football.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event went beyond the realm of sports by bringing together residents of Pila and nearby towns, thereby fostering closer community ties. The tournament was initiated by Biyourpo Lankoand, who aimed to leverage eleven-a-side football as a platform to stimulate exchanges and fraternity among participants. "The goal is to improve community life through sport," emphasized Lankoand, highlighting the collective aspiration to create a venue centered around shared values.

In the final match, FC Dortmund faced off against FC Folbongou and emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, securing the trophy. In addition to the trophy, the champions were awarded 20,000 CFA francs, a jersey, and a ball. The runner-up, FC Folbongou, received 15,000 CFA francs, a jersey, and a ball. The teams finishing in third and fourth places were awarded 10,000 CFA francs and 5,000 CFA francs respectively, along with a ball.

Individual and team awards were also distributed, with 5,000 CFA francs given to the top scorer, best goalkeeper, and the fair-play team. Several special prizes were presented to recognize outstanding performances.

The competition drew football fans and the public to witness the matches, adding both a sporting and social dimension to the event. The closing ceremony saw the attendance of Aim Csar Beogo, the first vice-president of the special delegation of Pila, William Kabor, the secretary general of the Pila town hall, and Martin Noali, CEO of "Nouveau Gulmu" and the event's sponsor.

Through this initiative, football emerges as a unifying force and a means of fostering social cohesion in the municipality, where sporting activities play a crucial role in maintaining community connections.