Zanzibar emerged victorious at the African Nations Cup UK (ANCUK) 2025, clinching the championship title after a tense penalty shootout against Gambia.
The final, held at the Bobby Moore Sports Hub in Dagenham, London, ended in a goalless draw before Zanzibar triumphed 4-2 on penalties, sealing their place as the champions of this year’s most prestigious African diaspora football tournament.
Despite high hopes, Team Uganda exited the tournament early after losses in the group stage — falling 1-3 to Benin and 0-2 to Ghana.
Elsewhere, Madagascar impressed with a 5-0 thrashing of Benin but later bowed out with a 0-3 defeat to Gambia in the semi-finals. Zanzibar booked their spot in the final after another penalty shootout win, overcoming Ghana 4-2 following a goalless draw.
In the youth category, Zimbabwe made a strong statement with a 4-1 win over Somaliland to take home the youth championship title.
More than just a football competition, the ANCUK 2025 showcased African culture, unity, and enterprise — with Equity Bank Uganda playing a standout role as the tournament’s main sponsor and proud partner of Team Uganda.
The Bank’s involvement highlighted its commitment to empowering African communities abroad and promoting cross-border opportunities.
“We are proud to be the main partner of the African Nations Cup UK 2025. Football unites us, and this partnership underscores our continued dedication to Africa’s socio-economic transformation,” said Gift Shoko, Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda. “It aligns with our African Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which seeks to accelerate the continent’s recovery and growth post-COVID-19.”
Throughout the tournament, Equity Bank leveraged the platform to connect with the African diaspora, promote its diaspora banking solutions, and showcase investment opportunities in Uganda.
Fans and attendees engaged directly with bank representatives through on-site activations offering financial literacy, tailored banking services, and a gateway to reconnecting with home.
This is part of Equity Bank Uganda’s broader diaspora strategy, which includes active engagements in regions like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US — all aimed at empowering Ugandans abroad with financial knowledge, customized products, and community support.
As Zanzibar hoisted the trophy and Zimbabwe’s youth side celebrated their victory, ANCUK 2025 came to a thrilling end — once again proving that football is more than a game. It’s a force for unity, pride, and progress — and with partners like Equity Bank Uganda, it’s also a pathway to prosperity.
