By Bazona Barnabe Bado
The Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson kicked off the 15th edition of the African Nations Soccer Tournament on April 13, 2026, in the Bronx at Macomb Dann Park. Sixteen (16) African soccer teams have been taken part of this African Advisory Council competition.
Four (4) teams were in competition: Gambia versus Togo and Cameroon versus Guinea.
The first game pitted the Gambians against the Togolese. Few minutes after the kick – off, the Gambian dressed up in white jersey, more tactic scored the first goal. A score that waked up the Togolese in red jersey and who scored their first goal five (5) minutes later. The Gambians responded by scoring another goal ten (10) minutes later. The referee paused the match for the halftime.
After halftime both teams return to the field. Six (6) minutes later, the Gambians scored again. Time was running out. Togolese did not want to lose. They scored the second goal. And the referee ended the game. Gambia 3 – Togo 2.
The second game pitted Cameroon against Togo. Cameroon was the first to score a goal during the first halftime. The game is balanced for both teams. They have almost same tactics and aim the same goal: win. First halftime: Cameroon 1, Guinea 0. When they came back for the second halftime, Guinea did not wait long time to score a goal. And the referee ended the game. Cameroon 1, Guinea 1.
The Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said that soccer brings people together. She added “she is proud of the African Nations Soccer Tournament that showcases the diversity of the Bronx which is full of opportunities.” She has invited everyone to participate actively in the FIFA world cup as New York/ New Jersey will host eight matches, including the final.
Ambroise Ngande who has been supervising African Nations Soccer Tournament since its creation, said the tournament has been placed under the sign of unity and peace.
The vice chair of African Advisory Council Dr. Momodou Sawaneh echoed Ambroise Ngande as he stated that “African Nations Soccer Tournament embraces unity, brings people from all background together, connects different communities, and celebrates African culture.”
Affinity By Molina Healthcare is the Big Sponsor of the African Nations Soccer Tournament
Affinity By Molina Healthcare is one the sponsors of the African Nations Soccer Tournament. Fatou Ndiaye, the facilitated enroller for Affinity By Molina Healthcare, said that Affinity By Molina Healthcare is a sponsor for the tournament because Affinity By Molina Healthcare cares about the players’ wellbeing. “You cannot play if you are sick; the reason why every player needs to have a health insurance,” she said.
Anyone who wants health insurance and for other information regarding health insurance can contact Fatou Ndiaye at 3478653661