Jeunes Peles win inaugural Tournoi Maracana Faso Transport final on penalties

Jeunes Peles claimed the first Tournoi Maracana Faso Transport title after beating Song-Naaba United 4-3 on penalties in a dramatic final in Ouagadougou on Sunday, 4 October 2026.

The match finished 1-1 after normal time at the Naaba Wankse school in Nonsin, leaving the inaugural champion to be decided from the spot.

The two teams were closely matched for long periods, but Jeunes Peles took the lead before half-time. Song-Naaba United responded soon after the restart to level the score.

Both sides created further opportunities, yet neither could find a winning goal. Jeunes Peles were ultimately more accurate in the shootout and secured a 4-3 victory.

Jeunes Peles captain Faical Nignan attributed the result partly to the experience his team had gained in previous competitions.

“Both teams were evenly matched. The game was very balanced. But I think experience made the difference. We have played in many tournaments,” he said.

Song-Naaba United captain Flavien Kinda, known as “Couthino”, said his team had competed fully despite the disappointment of losing the final.

“It was a very closely fought final. We did not deserve to lose; we gave everything to win this trophy,” he said.

However, Kinda felt missed chances had proved costly. “In a final, if you have opportunities and fail to take them, they always come back to haunt you,” he added.

Organisers said the first edition had produced an encouraging response beyond the result on the pitch. Abdoul Aziz Derra, president of the organising committee, highlighted the public support for the tournament and the message it sought to promote.

“This is a positive assessment for this first edition. We saw a strong enthusiasm for the event and, beyond the mobilisation, we can say that our message was well received,” he said.

The final was attended by members of the government, traditional chiefs, cultural officials and sporting figures, including the ambassador for Sport, Charles Kabore. Mahamadou Sana, minister of Security, served as patron of the ceremony, with Serge Gnaniodem Poda, minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, as co-patron.

Derra said the attendance reflected young people’s desire for greater support.

“We had members of the government, but also traditional chiefs and cultural leaders who came to support the youth. That is exactly what young people are asking for: to be supported and accompanied. I think we have been heard,” he said.

Promoting social cohesion and peace was a central aim of the tournament, which organisers intended to make about more than football.

“The main objective of this activity was to promote social cohesion and peace. Given the current situation in our country, we must promote peace in every area, whether in football or in other parts of society. We must all work for peace. Long live Burkina Faso!” said Derra.

The event also supported Naaba Wankse school. Tournament promoter Abdoul Karim Compaore helped fund work at the school and plans to provide teaching materials for staff and pupils after the competition.

Derra thanked Compaore, saying a building, including its windows and doors, had been completed in two days and describing him as “a truly big-hearted man”.

Organisers acknowledged that improvements would be needed, particularly around security. Derra said more measures were required to prevent crowds entering the playing area after goals and at the end of matches.

“Player safety must be a priority,” he said. “The security arrangements need to be strengthened so that everyone involved is protected and the tournament can continue to grow in better conditions.”

The organisers now hope to build on the inaugural event and establish the competition as a lasting part of the sporting landscape, with peace, cohesion and living together at its heart.