Réserve FC emerged victorious on Sunday, October 25, taking home the trophy of the second edition of the Grand Lomé Women’s Football Festival after defeating Football Master Academy – FMA 2-0 in the final.
Held at the AGADA pitch in Anfamé, within the Golfe 1 municipality, the two-day tournament successfully combined women’s football, health awareness, and youth empowerment as part of the Pink October campaign. Initiated by Togbui Adjikou Lanklivi I in partnership with the NGO Cercle d’orientation des jeunes pour le développement – COJD, the event brought together eight teams from the Golfe and Agoè-Nyivé prefectures from October 24 to 25, 2026.
In an intensely contested final match, Réserve FC secured their win over FMA with a goal in each half, earning the champion title alongside a cash prize of 500,000 FCFA.
Reflecting on the match, FMA captain KEKOU Yawa Bénédicte cited a breakdown in team communication and physical fatigue carried over from the group stages and semifinals, while expressing her gratitude to the organizers and promising a stronger return next year.
On the winning side, Réserve FC captain GNAMSOU Essozimna Laura celebrated the victory, attributing their success to the collective commitment of her squad throughout the tournament.
The podium was rounded out by Girls Team, who claimed third place after defeating Paolo Foundation 4-3 in a thrilling consolation match, securing a 200,000 FCFA prize, while runner-up FMA was awarded 300,000 FCFA. Beyond the competitive matches, the festival placed a strong emphasis on community health education and social advocacy.
NEGLO Kpe Lako, president of the NGO COJD, addressed the young athletes and spectators on essential topics, including breast and cervical cancer prevention, personal hygiene, substance abuse risks, teenage pregnancy prevention, and the importance of unleashing female potential.
Adding significant prestige to the awareness campaign, Miss Togo 2026, Angèle Prudence Eyou, joined the interactive sessions to champion these vital causes. Her participation helped amplify messages centered on disease prevention, personal responsibility, and self-confidence among young women and the broader public.
These outreach efforts aligned directly with the global Pink October movement, leveraging the unifying power of sports to highlight critical health and social issues impacting young women’s well-being.
The tournament concluded on a festive note at the Anfamé grounds, attended by Togbui Adjikou Lanklivi I, representatives of the Adakpamé traditional leadership, administrative figures, and popular music artist Master Just. A enthusiastic crowd gathered to celebrate both women’s sports and community wellness, creating a vibrant atmosphere that underscored the event’s dual mission of athletic competition and public engagement.
Musical performances officially closed out the two-day celebration, featuring a high-energy show by artist PAKI Chenzu that entertained the crowd following the trophy presentations.
Balancing athletic excellence, health prevention, and cultural showcase, the Grand Lomé Women’s Football Festival delivered a memorable second edition.
While Réserve FC’s championship victory marked the sporting highlight, the organizers succeeded in placing the health, safety, and empowerment of young women at the very center of the event.
