The tournament celebrated friendship, solidarity and power of sports.
The initiative hailed not only as a grassroots competition but as a bridge-builder between two nations whose histories, cultures, and communities are deeply intertwined.
Blending Gambian and Senegalese villages into teams for a tournament broke barriers, fostered camaraderie and showcased how football can transcend borders.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Mangana Home and Diaspora Association.
The tournament featured eight teams consist of players from both The Gambian and Senegalese villages.
The matches were played with passion and flair, drawing enthusiastic crowds who cheered for unity during the Saturday’s football final.
The tournament has been described as a laudable initiative, reinforcing the longstanding ties between The Gambia and Senegal.
The tournament promoted g peace, cooperation and youth empowerment.
Organisers have revealed that the idea for the tournament originated from the Diaspora Association, with the aim of strengthening the long-standing ties between neighbouring border villages.
Beyond the competition itself, the event was designed to foster unity and provide young people with opportunities through sport.
The tournament, not only showcased local talent but also highlighted the power of football in building community spirit and reinforce cultural bonds across the border villages.
Kampasa village, in the Foni Jarrol District of the West Coast Region, which is just one kilomatre from next village in Cassamace, Senegal, hundreds of football enthusiastians and local residents gathered for the much‑anticipated border unity football tournament final.
The event, held under the motto “Unity is Our Strength”, was more than just a football, it was a celebration of decades of friendship and solidarity among the border communities.
The final thrilling featured Messi FC and Riquelme FC.
Messi FC beat Riquelme FC 1-0 in a final played at the Mangana Football Field on Saturday to clasp the trophy.
Both sides displayed skills and determination, creating goal scoring opportunities but the first half ended goalless.
Upon resumption of the match, Lamin Sambou produced a moment of brilliance for Messi FC when he fired the opening goal to send crowd into jubilation.
Riquelme FC searched for an equaliser but their efforts were thwarted by Messi FC’s resolute defence line.
The tournament was sponsored by Amadou Sanneh, a nephew of President Adama Barrow, while the knock‑out competition was sponsored by Deputy Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force Demba Sowe.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the final, Deputy Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force (GPF), Demba Sowe, praised the organisers for their efforts, adding, that sports development remains a cornerstone in strengthening bilateral relations.
“This tournament is a testament to how sport can unify communities and solidify the bond between our nations,” Sowe said.
Sowe, a native of Kampasa, urged organisers to build on the momentum, adding that the initiative would go a long way in cementing ties among the border communities within Mangana.
“Empowering the youth starts from the grassroots.
I am happy that the young people, who are the cream of the nation, are spearheading such a laudable initiative,” Sowe added.
On the issue of security, the GPF’s second‑in‑command encouraged communities to continue safeguarding the peace and stability that Mangana enjoyed for decades.
“Bringing the communities together through such a timely tournament is something I am proud to associate myself with,” Sowe noted.
Sowe urged young people across the two countries to jealously protect the harmony they share, pointing out that the initiative complements the efforts of the heads of state of The Gambia and Senegal.
“Their desire is to see peace and stability in both nations, and this tournament is a step towards African integration,” Sowe concluded.
Foday S.S. Jomma, Chairman of Mangana Sports Committee, spoke at length about the significance of the tournament, emphasising that the initiative would further strengthen the long‑standing relationship among the communities.
Jomma urged continued support for the event, noting that it serves as a platform to bring together the youth of both villages under one umbrella.
Committee member, Modou H. Bah, explained that the idea for the tournament originated from the Diaspora.
Bah added: “Sport is one aspect, but we are also engaged in many other initiatives, all geared towards the betterment of our communities.”
Abdoulie Bah, a native of Foni Jarrow who represented Amadou Sanneh, the nephew of President Adama Barrow, presented the cash prize to the winners.
Bah remarked that football is a powerful way of fostering unity among people, particularly the youth.
“This initiative is both timely and commendable,” Bah said.
In addition to the tournament final, the organising committee laid the foundation stone for the construction of a community football field.
The project received an early boost with Duwa Jabbi Real Estate donating 100 bags of cement towards the initiative.
Community leaders have called for wider support to ensure the successful completion of the football field, adding that the facility would serve as a vital space for youth development, sports activities and community gatherings.
