Two of the participating teams
The lineup for the first-ever Betway Tumu Community Cup is now complete, following an exciting round of playoff matches that concluded on Monday.
Kong, Tarsor, and Bujan claimed the final three spots in the tournament after securing victories in their respective playoff ties.
Tarsor booked their place with a dramatic 5-4 win on penalties against Vamboi, after both sides played out a 1-1 draw at Bugubelle. Bujan also triumphed in a penalty shootout, defeating Sakai 3-1 following a goalless draw at Pieng.
Kong delivered the most dominant performance of the day, brushing aside Taffiasi with an emphatic 4-0 win at the Tumu Stadium AstroTurf to secure their spot in style.
These three sides join Bugubelle, Nabulo, and Challu—who advanced on Sunday—as the six teams to emerge from the playoffs.
Bugubelle edged Kulfuo 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Tarsor, while Challu earned a narrow 1-0 win over Nabugubelle at the Nmanduonu School Park, thanks to a match-winning goal from Issahaku Najawu, who was named Man of the Match.
Nabulo turned heads with a commanding 5-1 victory over Nmanduonu at Bichemboi, producing the standout performance of the opening day of playoff action.
The six qualifiers will now join pre-seeded teams Real 24 Hours and Soccer Babies in the main tournament, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Tumu Stadium AstroTurf.
The Tumu Community Cup is a grassroots football initiative spearheaded by Joy Sports editor Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo in partnership with leading bookmakers Betway. The tournament also enjoys the support of Peeva Beverages and aims to unearth local talent while promoting community cohesion through sport.
By Wletsu Ransford