GISA Cup 2025: An International Football Festival Full of Passion and Fair Play

The German International School Accra (GISA) hosted an extraordinary football tournament yesterday: the GISA Cup 2025. The event brought together 20 teams from 12 different nations, including Portugal, Ghana, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, France, Great Britain, Kenya, Italy, the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. Participants included not only embassy teams, but NGOs, as well as international companies and institutions.

The first matches kicked off at 8:30 AM, and the competition continued at a high level until the grand final under floodlights at 6 PM. In thrilling quarter-final matches, Ghana, GISA, Nigeria, and GIZ secured their places in the next round. The semi-finals provided even more exciting moments: GISA defeated Ghana in a penalty shootout 2-1, while GIZ overcame Nigeria, also in a penalty shootout, with the same score.

The third-place match saw Nigeria claim victory over Ghana with a 1-0 win – once again after a gripping penalty shootout. The final featured an all-German showdown: GISA vs. GIZ. In the end, the team from the German International School triumphed with a commanding 2-0 victory, dethroning last year’s champions, Portugal.

In addition to the trophies for the top three teams, awards were also given for the best outfield player and the best goalkeeper – both of whom came from the GIZ team. The tournament’s organization was flawless, with all matches being tracked digitally in real-time and the entire schedule running smoothly without delays.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the GISA Cup 2025 was a tremendous success in terms of atmosphere. The matches were characterized by fairness, team spirit, and international camaraderie. Spectators cheered not only for their own teams but also created a lively atmosphere with African drums, vuvuzelas, and music. The tournament embodied the educational philosophy of the German International School: "Building Bridges." Adding a touch of humor, the Swiss team even had a cow as their mascot.

Distinguished guests attended the event: Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger praised the "fantastic atmosphere," while Italian Ambassador Laura Ranalli was equally impressed. Ghana’s national coach Otto Addo remarked, "It’s amazing what the German school has organized here!" VfL Bochum team leader Frederick Raymond added, "This is exactly how an international school in Ghana should operate!" The head of the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK), Dr. Michael Blank, commended the German school’s efforts, while GIZ Director Dr. Dirk Aßmann was proud of his team’s second-place finish.

A special story was shared by Mirna Adjami Luedin, the chairperson of the school board. She played for the Swiss team herself and revealed that after sending a letter to the Swiss national team (nicknamed "Nati"), they received official jerseys with best wishes. Regarding their early exit from the tournament, she laughed and said, "No problem – participation is everything!"

A heartfelt thank you was extended to the generous sponsors of the tournament: Fairafric, HomeMed (also responsible for first aid!), Kings Packaging, Perla (platinum and main sponsor), Socaloca, and ZuZo Ltd. Food and refreshments were plentiful – from classic stadium sausages to Ghanaian Jollof rice, there was something for everyone. The event was also very family-friendly with craft activities from the Universal Wonderful Street Academy and crate climbing from the Ghana Mountaineers.

Principal Rainer Kropp-Kurta gave special thanks to the outstanding organizing team led by teacher Patrick Blanke-Schelle and Deputy Administrative Director Katharina Kaufmann. The day concluded with a lively victory celebration featuring a DJ – a perfect ending to an unforgettable tournament.