Faith, Football & Brotherhood: The 2025 UK-Ghana Ahmadiyya Unity Tournament

Byline: A Journey of Sports, Spirituality, and Service in Memory of Syed Taalay Ahmed

The sun set over Accra’s bustling streets as fifteen young men from Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya (UK) stepped onto Ghanaian soil, their hearts heavy with purpose but alight with anticipation. They carried more than luggage—they bore the Syed Taalay Ahmed Memorial Shield, symbolising their late brother’s unwavering dedication to faith and service. Their mission? To honour his legacy through football, foster transcontinental brotherhood, and ignite a scholarship fund to empower education.

The tournament kicked off with a spirited match between MKA-UK and MTA-Ghana. The UK team triumphed 4-2, but the real victory was the camaraderie. "We didn’t come just to play," said Nadeem Ahmed, the lead of the UK delegation. "We came to strengthen bonds that transcend borders."

That afternoon, over jollof rice at the Marriott Hotel, hosted by Alhaj Yusuf Yahaya, players shared stories of Syed Taalay’s humility and love for Khilafat. "This shield isn’t just a trophy," whispered Danish Nasir, Naib Muhtamim. "It’s a call to action."

After a gracious lunch at Alhaj Baba Kassim’s home, MKA-Ghana dominated the pitch, defeating MKA-UK 3-0. The UK team laughed off the loss. "They’ve home advantage!" joked Shujaat Ahmad Waraich, later named Tournament’s Best Player.

Post-Jummah prayers, an exhibition match saw the Ghana Amila team edge out MKA-UK 3-2. But the highlight was Abdullah Addae Darkwah (MTA-Ghana) securing the Goal King title with four strikes. As dusk fell, Alhaj Adam Kofi Yamoah hosted a feast at his North Legon residence, where players debated football tactics and Quranic verses in equal measure.

The UK team toured Raqeem Press in Tema, as well as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission House and Mosque on the same premises. At MTA Ghana, coordinator Maulvi Hafiz Ismaeel Adusei showed them the studio where Islamic broadcasts reached millions.

A sombre visit to Cape Coast Castle—where enslaved Africans once passed—contrasted with the hope at Jamia Ahmadiyya International. "Here, students become ambassadors of peace". Maulvi Ishmael Baafi also took the team round the Saltpond Ahmadiyya Mosque and Mission house and also looked at the first Jalsa Salana site at the Saltpond beach.

At Essakyir T.I. Ahmadiyya School, where His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) served as headmaster, the team stood in reverence. "Imagining the humble life of the Khalifa while serving in Ghana".

The Kasoa Zonal President, who is also a former Sadr MKA-Ghana, Mr Nasir Ahmed Bonsu, gave the team some history about Maqbara Moosian. The team proceeded to be hosted for lunch by Alhaj Ibrahim Bonsu. He shared some inspiring words of advice to the team at the newly inaugurated Insaniyya Jamaat Mosque, after which his son (Mr Nasir Ahmed Bonsu) led the team for lunch at the West Hills Mall. After which the team enjoyed some virtual fun games at the mall and then proceeded to the mission’s headquarters.

The atmosphere was filled with joy as Naib Ameer I, Alhaj Abdul Wahab Issah, handed certificates of appreciation. The Syed Taalay Ahmad Scholarship was launched, its first pledge made by the UK team. "This scholarship is indeed going to be very useful in supporting the education of some needy members" said Ahmed Kobina Benyarko, Sadr MKA-Ghana.

As the team departed, Nadeem Ahmed vowed: "Next year, we’ll bring twenty players!" The response? Ahmed Jawaad Hammond, tour chairman, grinned: "We’ll be ready, Insha’Allah"

The tournament’s final table saw MKA-Ghana clinch the shield, but the real winners were the youth who proved that faith and football could unite continents. As the UK team landed safely on April 9, one message echoed: This was only the beginning.