Who We Are
Sports As A Unifying Force
Back in 2019, Manitoba university student Gode Katembo and his friend Seidu Mohammed recognized that the game of soccer could be a powerful tool for unity.
Gode noticed that differences in religion, culture, race, socio-economic status, and political beliefs created community divisions.
He envisioned soccer as a way to bring people together.
The founders, driven by a shared passion for community and culture, recognized an urgent need. They saw that the various African and other ethnocultural groups in Manitoba were like separate islands, rich in culture but isolated from each other and the broader community.
Determined to change this, they set out to create something special. This vision led to the birth of a non-profit organization originally known as the Manitoba African Cup of Nations (MACN).
The idea was simple yet profound; use soccer’s universal language to unite communities – not just to play in soccer tournaments, but to celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.
A dream turned into reality – fueled by the belief that a soccer ball could bridge gaps and build a connected vibrant community.
So successful was the idea and the increasing demand for soccer tournaments in Manitoba that within three (3) short years in 2022, MACN expanded its mission and underwent a significant transformation.
The organization transitioned from a provincial entity to a federal one, rebranding itself as the Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN).Today, its reach extends from Manitoba to Ontario, fostering community unity on a national scale.
Empowering Youth Through Sport
Our mission is to use arts and sports as a way to drive positive change, bring communities together, and fuel the passion for cultural engagements. Our events and programs are aimed to act as catalysts for promoting hope, health, and ethnocultural awareness while maintaining unity and upholding integrity in our communities across Canada.
Above all, we hope for programs to sustain our identities, help us learn from each other, and strengthen the bond of togetherness to nurture rich community relationships.
A United Community Through Sports
Our vision is to create a welcoming and inclusive community where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate African culture as well as to learn and enjoy the beautiful game of football.
Through our community-surrounded initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, mutual respect and cooperation, encouraging participants to embrace cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations.
Making An Impact. Uniting Communities.
Our tournament is more than just a competition, it's a celebration of culture, community, and the beautiful game.
Community Engagement
We bring families, neighbors, and communities together through the shared love of soccer. Our events create spaces for connection, celebration, and mutual support.
Youth Development
Beyond athletic skills, we focus on character development, teaching young players the values of teamwork, discipline, and respect that will serve them throughout their lives
Tournament Reach
Each year, our tournament attracts hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators from across the region, making it one of the largest youth soccer celebrations in the area.
Strong Partnerships
We work closely with local businesses, community organizations, and sponsors who share our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities.
100+
Teams Participated
2,000+
Young Athletes
5,000+
Spectators Annually
25+
Countries Represented
Team Registration
2026 Registration is now open! Secure your team's spot in the most exciting soccer tournament of the year.
Full Package
Complete tournament experience with all amenities
C$1,700
Official Guaranteed spot Package for the 2026 ONTARIO AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS
Deposit
Secure your spot with a deposit
C$600
Note that this is a non-refundable deposit.
CHAMPIONS HISTORY
2025 OACN FINALS (KENYA VS GAMBIA)
Capturing the passion, skill, and spirit of our tournament.
Kenya Crowned 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations Champions in Historic Win Over Gambia
In a thrilling and unforgettable final, Kenya made history by winning their first-ever Ontario African Cup of Nations championship in 2025, defeating tournament favorites Gambia in a dramatic penalty shootout. Coming into the match as underdogs, the Kenyan team showed incredible determination, grit, and national pride. They faced a formidable Gambian side that had dominated much of the tournament, but Kenya was undeterred. From the first whistle, they fought with heart and discipline, matching Gambia’s intensity and pushing the game into extra time and eventually, penalties.
In a tense shootout, Kenya held their nerve while their goalkeeper made a crucial save that sent the Kenyan fans into a frenzy. With the final penalty slotted in, the stadium erupted as Kenya secured a historic and emotional victory, lifting the trophy for the very first time.
The Kenyan supporters were nothing short of electric loud, proud, and unwavering in their support. Their passion turned the stadium into a sea of red, green, and black, creating an atmosphere that will be remembered for a lifetime.
This victory marks a new era for Kenyan football in Ontario, a story of belief, resilience, and national pride. The 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations final will go down as one of the most iconic moments in the tournament’s history.
📊 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations Tournament Statistics
🥇 Gold Medal Champions — Kenya
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Final Position: 1st Place
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Achievement: 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations Champions
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Tournament Performance: Consistent and dominant performances throughout the competition
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Team Strength: Strong midfield control, tactical discipline, and attacking efficiency
Kenya delivered an outstanding tournament campaign, showcasing composure, teamwork, and intelligent play to secure the 2025 championship title.
🥈 Silver Medal — Gambia
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Final Position: 2nd Place
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Tournament Performance: Impressive run to the final
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Team Strength: Competitive attacking play and strong defensive organization
Gambia demonstrated resilience and quality throughout the tournament, finishing as 2025 runners-up after a strong overall performance.
🥉 Bronze Medal — Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Final Position: 3rd Place
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Tournament Performance: Strong and consistent campaign
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Achievement: 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations Third Place Finish
DR Congo secured the bronze medal with a competitive showing and solid performances across the tournament.
⭐ Player of the Year — Gershom Okoth
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Team: Kenya
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Position: Midfielder
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Award: 2025 Ontario African Cup of Nations Player of the Year
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Playing Style: Composed, intelligent, and highly creative
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Impact: Exceptional leadership and midfield control that guided Kenya to championship success
Gershom Okoth’s calm presence, vision, and intelligence in midfield made him one of the tournament’s most influential players and a key factor in Kenya’s championship victory.
Celebrating the 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations Champions. Ghana’s Historic Triumph
Every summer, the Ontario African Cup of Nations (OACN) brings together communities across Ontario to celebrate African culture, unity, and the beautiful game. As the biggest soccer tournament held annually in Ontario, Canada, the competition continues to showcase exceptional talent, passion, and unforgettable moments.
The 2024 edition of the tournament delivered one of the most exciting and surprising stories in OACN history, as Ghana emerged as champions after defeating Somalia in a thrilling final. Their journey to victory was filled with resilience, determination, and a true underdog spirit that captured the hearts of fans across the province.
A Tournament to Remember
The 2024 OACN tournament featured some of the strongest teams in recent years, but none were more dominant in the early stages than Somalia. From the very start of the competition, Somalia established themselves as the team to beat, going unbeaten throughout the group stage and knockout rounds leading up to the final.
Somalia’s attacking power was a major highlight of their campaign. With standout performances from dynamic forwards like Duresa and Tariq, the team displayed speed, technical ability, and clinical finishing that overwhelmed their opponents. Their confident style of play and strong defensive organization made them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Many fans and analysts believed Somalia’s dominance would carry them all the way to the championship without defeat.
Ghana’s Challenging Road to the Final
While Somalia’s path to the final seemed unstoppable, Ghana faced a much more difficult journey. Ghana struggled during the group stage, fighting to find consistency and cohesion as a team. Despite early challenges, they managed to advance to the next round on goal difference a narrow escape that would ultimately change the course of the tournament.
Entering the knockout stages, Ghana gradually improved their performances. Their determination, teamwork, and belief grew stronger with each match. What once appeared to be a struggling side began to transform into a disciplined and confident team capable of challenging the tournament favorites.
By the time they reached the final, Ghana had fully embraced their role as the tournament’s underdog.
The 2024 OACN Final: Ghana vs Somalia
The championship match between Ghana and Somalia was one of the most anticipated finals in Ontario African Cup of Nations history. Fans from across Ontario gathered to witness what many expected to be Somalia’s crowning moment.
However, the match unfolded in dramatic fashion.
First Half Drama
Ghana stunned spectators by scoring the opening goal of the match, taking an early lead against the tournament favorites. The goal energized the Ghanaian side and shifted the momentum of the game.
Somalia responded with determination, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off when they leveled the score through a spectacular direct free kick, sending their supporters into celebration and restoring belief in their championship hopes.
The first half ended with both teams locked at 1–1, setting the stage for an intense second half battle.
The Decisive Moment
In the second half, Ghana demonstrated remarkable discipline and attacking precision. Their efforts were rewarded with a beautifully executed goal that ultimately secured a 2–1 victory. The decisive strike sealed Ghana’s historic triumph and shocked fans who had predicted a Somali victory.
When the final whistle blew, Ghana had completed one of the greatest underdog stories in tournament history.
A Star Performance
A key figure in Ghana’s victory was midfielder Herbert Addo, whose outstanding performance in the final earned him Player of the Game honors. His leadership, control in midfield, and decisive contributions played a crucial role in guiding Ghana to their championship success.
His performance symbolized Ghana’s determination and team spirit throughout the tournament.
A Victory That Inspired a Community
Ghana’s 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations championship was more than just a victory —it was a powerful reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of football. Their journey from a challenging group stage to lifting the trophy demonstrated perseverance, belief, and the power of teamwork.
The tournament once again showcased the diversity, unity, and passion of Ontario’s African communities, bringing people together through sport and celebration.
As fans look ahead to future editions of the Ontario African Cup of Nations, the story of Ghana’s incredible 2024 triumph will remain a defining moment in the competition’s history a true underdog victory that inspired an entire community.
📊 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations Tournament Statistics
🥇 Gold Medal Champions — Ghana
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Final Position: 1st Place
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Final Match Result: Ghana 2–1 Somalia
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Tournament Journey: Advanced from the group stage on goal difference
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Knockout Stage Performance: Strong comeback run to the final
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Goals Scored (Final): 2
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Championship Achievement: 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations Winners
Ghana completed a remarkable underdog journey, overcoming early tournament struggles to claim the championship title with a dramatic victory in the final.
🥈 Silver Medal — Somalia
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Final Position: 2nd Place
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Final Match Result: Somalia 1–2 Ghana
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Tournament Record: Unbeaten before the final
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Team Strength: Dominant attacking performance throughout the tournament
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Final Highlight: Spectacular direct free-kick goal in the championship match
Somalia entered the final as tournament favorites after an outstanding campaign and finished as 2024 runners-up.
🥉 Bronze Medal — Kenya
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Final Position: 3rd Place
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Tournament Performance: Consistent performances throughout the competition
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Achievement: 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations Third Place Finish
Kenya secured the bronze medal after a strong tournament showing and competitive performances in both group and knockout stages.
⭐ Player of the Year — Duresa Shubisa
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Team: Somalia
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Position: Midfielder / Winger
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Award: 2024 Ontario African Cup of Nations Player of the Year
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Impact: Outstanding attacking contributions, creativity, and leadership throughout the tournament
Duresa Shubisa delivered exceptional performances across the competition, playing a key role in Somalia’s journey to the final and earning recognition as the tournament’s best player.
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