The 2025 edition of the Bankers Football Gala delivered nothing short of pure football magic, as Republic Bank defended their title in style, edging out fierce rivals Stanbic Bank 2-1 in a dramatic repeat of last year’s grand finale.
With the University of Ghana Sports Stadium buzzing with excitement, fans from across the banking sector watched as Stanbic’s in-form striker Anass Abdallah, who had been a goal machine throughout the tournament, opened the scoring in the first half — continuing his streak of netting in every stage of the competition.
But Republic Bank had other plans. After regrouping at halftime, the reigning champions returned with fire in their boots. A stunning equalizer set the tone for a spirited second-half performance, capped off by a well-taken winner that sealed their 2-1 victory and back-to-back Gala triumphs.
“Republic repeats history! Stanbic fails to lift the trophy to the Stanbic height.” – Commentator, Ebenezer Kewaw Madugu sings.
Stanbic Bank, had to settle for second place, despite Anass’s outstanding efforts that earned him the Top Scorer Award.
In the third-place match, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) delivered a dominant display to trash Zenith Bank 2-1 (penalties), capping off their tournament with a podium finish.
Despite the loss, Zenith’s Andrews Adjovu stood tall with a solid defensive performance throughout the tournament, earning him the Best Defender Award.
The coveted Best Player of the Tournament went to Michael Amankwah of Republic Bank, whose leadership and skill in midfield proved instrumental in guiding his side to glory.
Speaking AtinkaTV after the game, the Head of Regulatory, Ethics, Forensic and Special Duties at the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), Mr. Collins Boamah, lauded Republic Bank’s resilience and applauded all the participating teams.
He also used the opportunity to call on all participating institutions to bring their A-game to the Bankers Football League, which kicks off next weekend.
The Bankers Football League, also organized by the BFL in collaboration with GAB, promises 13 weeks of thrilling football involving 16 elite teams from the banking sector.
Matches will be hosted at La McDan Park and St. Aquinas School Park, two grounds that have become synonymous with thrilling weekend action.
The CEO of BFL and Director of the Gala and League, Alima Issah, emphasized the level of competition expected.
“We’ve seen what these teams can do at the Gala. Now, we look forward to 13 weeks of pure football intensity. We expect every team to come with their best strategies. This league is not for the faint-hearted,” she said.
2025 BANKERS GALA AWARD WINNERS
Champions– Republic Bank
2nd Place – Stanbic Bank
3rd Place – Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG)
Top Scorer – Anass Abdallah (Stanbic Bank)
Best Defender – Andrews Adjovu (Zenith Bank)
Best Player – Michael Amankwah (Republic Bank)
As the curtain falls on the Gala, attention now shifts to the league. One thing is clear: Republic Bank may be kings today, but the throne is far from secure. Let the games begin!