Guinea’s SOAR Academy etched their name into history as the first-ever champions of the Roc Cup, capping a flawless campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Racing Club d'Abidjan in last Saturday's final at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

Guinea’s SOAR Academy etched their name into history as the first-ever champions of the Roc Cup, capping a flawless campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Racing Club d'Abidjan in last Saturday's final at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon. 

The six-day youth tournament, staged by Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), concluded in thrilling fashion as Mohammed Camara coolly converted from the penalty spot in the 78th minute to settle a tense decider and preserve SOAR’s 100 per cent record.

It was a fitting finale for the Guinean outfit, the sole representatives from their country in a 10-team competition that brought together elite youth sides from five West African nations — four clubs from Ghana, two each from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, and one apiece from Cameroon and Guinea.

Perfect run

SOAR’s triumph was built on consistency and composure. Drawn in Group A alongside Benab FC and Zilina Africa FC (Ghana), Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria) and Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire), the Guineans swept aside all challengers.

They opened with a 2–1 win over Benab, defeated Empire 2–0, brushed aside Tripple 44 by two unanswered goals and edged Zilina 1–0 in a winner-takes-all clash to seal top spot.

Zilina and Empire both finished on seven points, followed by Benab (three) and Tripple 44 (none).

In Group B, Racing Club d’Abidjan showed resilience to emerge as leaders with eight points. After opening draws against Sempe Fi and Kadji Sports Academy, the Ivorians found their rhythm with wins over Fadama Field Masters and Sporting Lagos to book a date with SOAR in the final.

Unbeaten SemperFi placed second, Sporting Lagos third, Fadama fourth and Kadji bottom.

Beyond the team glory, SOAR’s Ivan Jordan Nana, who was named Man of the Match in the final, also claimed the tournament’s top scorer award with four goals — underlining the academy’s attacking potency.

Player of the Tournament honours went to Moussa Kone Koulibaly of Racing Club d’Abidjan, while Ibrahim Musa of Sporting Lagos was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

The Roc Cup marked a significant step in RNSI’s expansion into African football, part of a broader commitment to creating structured pathways for emerging talent.

Founded in 2013 by American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, Roc Nation Sports represents elite athletes across multiple disciplines. Its football portfolio includes global stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Scouts from more than 30 European clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Genk, Antwerp, Lyon, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen, were in attendance for the February 23–28 showcase. Former Ghana internationals David Accam and Laryea Kingston were also among notable observers.