Kanis International Clinch Back-to-Back Titles at Festifoot Integration Tournament
Kanis International of Togo have successfully defended their title at the 7th edition of the Festifoot Integration Tournament, held on the sidelines of Togo’s Independence Day celebrations. In a tightly contested final on Sunday, the home side edged out Ivory Coast 1-0 to claim their second consecutive championship.
The final, held in a festive but competitive atmosphere, showcased the spirit of unity and sportsmanship the tournament is known for. Kanis International’s head coach, Amos Dabo, credited the triumph to tactical discipline and relentless effort.
“We’re still champions because we worked hard. We let our opponents play and then we countered,” Dabo explained after the win.
The Ivory Coast team, playing in their first-ever Festifoot final, were visibly disappointed after dominating large spells of the match only to be undone by a last-minute goal.
“It wasn’t easy. We dominated the match, but I would never have believed they’d score in the final moments. That’s football,” said Ivorian coach Kourabodi Abdane. “I’m very disappointed. We had been scoring throughout the tournament, but today, something just didn’t click.”
The 2024 edition of the tournament brought together 13 teams from across the continent, including sides from Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Gambia (Top Food), Morocco, Chad, Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria, and Niger—alongside hosts Togo and finalists Ivory Coast.
Nigeria finished third and left with a trophy and a cash prize, adding to their respectable showing in the competition.
Tournament organiser Anatole Onana Ndzie, a Cameroonian national, reflected positively on the event’s success, praising its role in promoting pan-African unity.
“This year’s edition was a success thanks to all those who supported us, especially our partners,” Ndzie said. “People have embraced our project. We see that integration is truly effective in this country. Long live African integration. Let’s continue to live together—because living together is essential.”
Individual Awards:
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Top Scorer: Sewonou Elie (Ivory Coast) – 4 goals
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Best Player: Ametokodo Yanick Yayra (Kanis International)
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Fair Play Award: Team Morocco
As the curtains fall on this year’s Festifoot tournament, the event continues to grow as a symbol of both sporting excellence and African unity, reinforcing the belief that football can build bridges far beyond the pitch.
