Hanoi: The Islam FC football team won the second edition of the Ganzourgou inter-religious peace cup on Saturday in Zorgho, beating Catholique FC 2-0 in the final played on the Nons-raaga field.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the competition, which began on August 6, 2026, saw participation from four teams representing the Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, and customary communities. Islam FC set the pace in the final by scoring early and securing their victory with a second goal in the second half, leading to a 2-0 win over Catholique FC.
In the final rankings, Islam FC emerged as the champion, with Catholique FC, the Protestants, and the Coutumiers following in second, third, and fourth places, respectively. The victorious team was awarded 110,000 FCFA, a set of jerseys, a ball, a trophy, and gold medals. Catholique FC received 100,000 FCFA, a set of jerseys, a ball, and silver medals for their runner-up finish. The Protestants, securing third place, were given 85,000 FCFA, a set of jerseys, a ball, the fair play team trophy, and an additional 10,000 FCFA. The customary team, in fourth place, received 75,000 FCFA, a set of jerseys, and a ball.
The opening match featured a showdown between two women’s teams from Zorgho, with the Reds triumphing over the Greens 1-0. This communal event was praised by the president of the Zorgho special delegation, Valentin Badolo, who highlighted the importance of the competition in fostering community interaction.
Pastor Emmanuel Wangraoua, the event’s organizer, emphasized the initiative’s role in maintaining social cohesion in the province. He encouraged young people to promote peace within their circles and urged them to avoid rumors and violence.
Rachid Oudraogo, a Quranic teacher and traditional healer, underscored the activity’s focus on social cohesion, advocating for unity irrespective of religious affiliation. He extended his best wishes to the promoter on behalf of the Muslim community.
The Protestant community representative cited the biblical quest for peace, urging young individuals and religious leaders to prioritize peace. Similarly, Odette Kabor from the Catholic Church reaffirmed their commitment to peace and social harmony.
Traditional leader Naba Boulga of Bangbili commended the initiative, inviting all to promote peace. Co-sponsor Zambend Abdoulaye Kabor reminded attendees of the shared reverence for God across different faiths and called for mobilization around the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP).
High Commissioner Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, who presided over the ceremony, lauded the organizers for their dedication to peace. She emphasized the shared responsibility for peace among all religious and citizen groups and encouraged sports as a unifying force.
The event, conducted under the theme “Together for Living Together and Lasting Peace,” carried the message “Dribbling Hatred to Mark Peace.” It drew administrative authorities, religious and traditional leaders, teams, supporters, and various stakeholders from the province.