Four teams have secured early qualification to the quarterfinal stage of the 2025 Bankers League Gala following a competitive opening round of group matches at the Legon Stadium on Saturday, June 28.

Zenith Bank delivered a dominant display in Group A, sealing back-to-back victories against National Investment Bank (NIB) and Ecobank to secure their place in the last eight with a game in hand. Their clinical performance left little doubt about their intent to challenge for this year’s title.

In Group B, Stanbic Bank and Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) confirmed their progression after both sides recorded opening-day wins, ensuring safe passage into the knockout rounds ahead of the final group matches.

CalBank were equally impressive in Group C, dispatching ABSA and GT Bank with confident performances to top the group outright and book their quarterfinal ticket.

Group D remains the only undecided group. Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) and Republic Bank are currently joint leaders with four points each, having recorded a win and a draw. Standard Chartered Bank and Omnibsic, on one point apiece, still have a mathematical chance to qualify depending on the results in the final round of group matches.

The remaining group fixtures are scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at the same venue, with the quarterfinals to follow shortly after. The one-day Gala serves as a curtain-raiser to the 2025 Bankers Football League, which is set to kick off on July 12. League fixtures will be played at the McDan Astroturf and St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School pitch.

Despite their early elimination, NIB striker Kweku Ghansah remained upbeat. Speaking after his side’s loss, he acknowledged their lack of preparation but set sights firmly on the league campaign.

“Well, the game didn’t go well, but we are hoping to win our next game. Actually, we didn’t really prepare, but we’ll come back stronger,” he said. “Our main target is the league. You know, we’ve won the league three times consecutively. I’ve taken the Goal King twice. When I say we’ll come back stronger, we know what we are talking about.”

Reflecting on the tournament’s broader purpose, Ghansah praised the level of football on display and the camaraderie it fosters. “It’s a fun game, but you can see some talent in there. It’s just for exercise, networking, and fun. That’s what we’re out for.”