The two finalists

It all came down to this: the final four teams. After 2 months of playing in the first edition of the Little Eagles Bamako League, our remaining four teams were ready to battle it out for the cup. In our first semi final, Pagou Foot, winners of the New Years tournament, met AC Madou, champions of the Spring cup. During the league, the teams had each won a game, with AC Madou winning by a score of 2-0 in their first meeting, and Pagou Foot taking the return fixture 3-0. In a repeat of the return leg, Pagou Foot again defeated AC Madou by the same 3-0 scoreline.

In the second semi final, undefeated CID took on Centre Gata. In the league, CID and Centre Gata ended in a 0-0 stalemate in the first round. In a victory that ultimately led to winning Group B, CID edged out Gata by one goal in round 2. Semi final 2 was a closely contested match, ending in a 1-0 victory for CID.

The Action

This set the stage for a compelling final between Group A winners Pagou Foot and Group B winners CID. The first half saw both teams feeling out the competition, with neither team able to make a breakthrough. The second half was a different story, and both teams came out of the break with strength and vigor looking for a winner. Ten minutes into the second half, Pagou Foot found their way past the CID goalkeeper and scored the opening goal. In response, CID changed 3 players, changing the complexion of the match. CID began to dominate the possession, but couldn't find the back of the net. In the final minutes, Pagou Foot won a corner kick, which was dispatched into the CID net, sealing the cup. Shortly after, the final whistle blew and Pagou Foot won by a scoreline of 2-0, commencing the celebrations.

Pagou Foot accepting the trophy