Republic Bank clinches victory to lift 2025 Bankers Football Gala trophy
Republic Bank emerged champions of the 2025 Bankers Football Gala after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Stanbic Bank in a thrilling final at the Legon Stadium on Saturday.
The win capped off a remarkable campaign for Republic Bank, who navigated a tense group stage and knockout rounds with resilience and tactical discipline.
Group stage grit
Republic Bank’s journey began in Group D, where they battled to a 1-1 draw against CalBank before edging past CBG 3-1 in a decisive match. Their four-point haul secured top spot in the group, setting up a quarterfinal clash with ABSA.
In a nail-biting encounter, Republic Bank triumphed 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, showcasing their composure under pressure.
Semifinal showdown
The semifinal pitted Republic Bank against CBG, their group-stage rivals, in a high-stakes rematch. Republic Bank delivered a clinical performance, with a 2-1 victory sealing their place in the final. "We knew CBG would come hard, but we stuck to our plan," said Republic Bank’s captain after the match. "This team fights for every ball."
Final triumph
Facing Stanbic Bank, who had stunned favourites Zenith Bank 1-0 in the other semifinal, Republic Bank took an early lead in the final. Stanbic equalised before halftime, but a second-half strike secured a 2-1 win for Republic Bank, sparking wild celebrations. "It’s a proud moment for us," said their manager. "We played with heart and deserved this trophy."
Tournament highlights
Zenith Bank and CBG claimed third and fourth places, respectively, after CBG won their playoff 2-1 on penalties. Earlier, Stanbic Bank’s semifinal upset over Zenith Bank—who had dominated Group A—was a major talking point. NIB striker Kweku Ghansah, whose team exited early, remained optimistic: "Our main target is the league. We’ll come back stronger."
The one-day gala, a precursor to the 2025 Bankers Football League, drew praise for its competitive spirit and networking value. The league kicks off on 12th July, with fixtures at McDan Astroturf and St Thomas Aquinas pitch.
