The 2025 Bankers Football League was ushered in with flair and fervour over the weekend, as the curtain-raiser gala delivered thrills, skills, and a flurry of goals at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

The two-day event set a high bar for what promises to be a fiercely contested league season beginning July 12.

Day one of the gala was a feast of attacking football—marked by sharp officiating, breathtaking dribbles, and show-stopping saves.

None impressed more than Team Stanbic Bank, who fielded their 55-year-old Assistant Security Coordinator, Kwame Safo-Adu, proving that age is just a number. Stanbic netted seven goals across two matches, with the electric Anas Abdallah scoring five of them.

Stanbic edged out Bank of Ghana 3–2 in their opening match before steamrolling UBA 4–0, solidifying their status as early favourites.

The tournament opened with a spirited encounter between Ecobank and FirstBank. Ecobank made their intentions clear, cruising to a 3–0 victory in the 30 minutes of play.

Cal Bank edged a wasteful GT Bank 1–0 in the very competitive third game. GT’s frustration boiled over in the final minute, as Gideon Aggrey-Fynn was shown a red card for violent conduct.

The day recorded another red card when Bank of Ghana’s Alfred Obeng was sent off in their clash with UMB. Goals from Emmanuel Essien and Derrick Kulego secured a 2–1 win for UMB.

CBG and Omnibsic also thrilled fans in their pulsating one-all draw. CBG’s Thomas Ankrah scored what many hailed as an early contender for ‘Goal of the Tournament’ when his lancing shot arched under the bar to settle in the net.

The action resumes next Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium for the final day of the gala.

Organisers say the Bankers Football League goes beyond competition—it’s a celebration of camaraderie, employee wellbeing, and unity across Ghana’s banking sector. The league matches officially kick off on July 12 at the McDan Astroturf and St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School pitches.

Click the link to visit the match gallery to view exciting photos from the games.