The Deputy Secretary General of the Tillabéri Governorate, M. Allassan Issa, presided over the closing ceremony of the Tournoi des Grandes Vacances (TGV) in Tillabéri. This significant sporting event, which brought together numerous local teams, marked a highlight in the regional youth calendar. The competition, which took place from July 10 to July 25, 2026, concluded with the participation of various local teams from across the Tillabéri region. The event marked the culmination of the youth tournament in the region, drawing considerable attention from the community and local authorities. M. Allassan Issa's presence showed the official recognition and importance of the tournament in fostering community spirit and youth engagement.
La Finale Haletante
The grand final of the Tournoi des Grandes Vacances saw AS Dragon de Zongo face the formidable team from Banizoumbou. The match, highly anticipated by supporters, delivered an exciting contest from start to finish. Banizoumbou opened the scoring in the first half, gaining an early advantage and putting pressure on their opponents in the decisive match. This initial goal set a tense atmosphere for the remainder of the game. However, AS Dragon de Zongo demonstrated resilience and determination, equalizing after the halftime break, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting their championship hopes. The game remained fiercely contested, with both teams pushing for a winning goal. The team from Zongo ultimately secured their victory with a dramatic goal deep into stoppage time, specifically in the 93rd minute. This decisive moment came courtesy of the dossard numéro 9 of AS Dragon de Zongo, whose late strike sealed the win. AS Dragon de Zongo defeated Banizoumbou by a final score of 2 goals to 1, claiming the coveted tournament title in a thrilling conclusion.
Contexte et Objectifs du Tournoi
The regional coordination of the Convergence pour la Souveraineté des Nations du Sahel (COSNAS) organized the Tournoi des Grandes Vacances. COSNAS, a key regional entity, facilitated the competition that brought together teams from across Tillabéri, aiming to leverage the power of sport for broader community benefits. The tournament was designed not only to promote athletic competition but also to instill specific community values and foster inter-district cooperation among the youth.
The stated theme for the tournament was « TGV pour la paix et la cohésion sociale ». This theme showed the organizers' intent to utilize sports as a platform for fostering harmony and solidarity within the participating communities. Through competitive play, the event aimed to reinforce peaceful coexistence and strengthen social bonds among the youth of Tillabéri. The initiative by COSNAS sought to create an environment where young people could interact, compete respectfully, and build lasting relationships, thereby contributing to the social fabric of the region.
Cérémonie de Clôture et Récompenses
The closing ceremony for the Tournoi des Grandes Vacances took place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, marking the official end of the competition. During the event, AS Dragon de Zongo, crowned as champion, received the prestigious trophy and a set of medals, commemorating their hard-fought victory. The winning team was also awarded jerseys, footballs, and a symbolic sum of 50,000 CFA francs, recognizing their outstanding performance. The runner-up, the resilient team from Banizoumbou, was not left unrewarded; they were presented with medals, jerseys, footballs, and an envelope containing 30,000 CFA francs, acknowledging their commendable effort throughout the tournament. The ceremony recognized both teams for their participation and performance throughout the tournament, celebrating sportsmanship and achievement.
Appel à la Paix et à la Cohésion
La Coordination régionale de la Convergence pour la Souveraineté des Nations du Sahel (COSNAS) a organisé le tournoi dans l'intention de contribuer à l'édification d'une société caractérisée par la paix, la prospérité et la cohésion sociale. The organizers emphasized that the tournament served as a powerful tool to unite the youth and promote shared values. The dramatic winning goal for AS Dragon de Zongo, scored by their dossard numéro 9, became a memorable moment that encapsulated the competitive spirit and the unifying power of the sport within the community. Through such initiatives, COSNAS continues its efforts to build a more harmonious and prosperous Tillabéri.