CAF African Schools Football Championship delivers promise for Africa's young football talent

On April 26, rain fell at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra. The 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship concluded, showcasing the power of sport. This event inspired, educated, and transformed lives.

The tournament ran from April 21 to 26. It featured young talents under 15 from schools across Africa. Ghana's boys’ and girls’ teams hosted the competition.

Teams included champions and runners-up from six CAF zones: Uganda and Tanzania (CECAFA), South Africa and Malawi (COSAFA), Gambia and Senegal (WAFU A), Benin and Côte d’Ivoire (WAFU B), Morocco and Algeria (UNAF).

Ghana’s girls’ team made history by winning their first title. They defeated Uganda 2–0 in the final match. Captain Adwoa Nyamekye scored a second-half goal. Holding the trophy with tears in her eyes, she said, “This is for every girl who dreams big.”

Earlier that day, the boys’ final was intense. Defending champions Tanzania faced Senegal in a goalless draw. The match went to penalties, where Tanzania won 3–2. They claimed back-to-back titles, showing their dominance in African schools football.

This year’s championship stood out for its sense of purpose. As champions celebrated on stage, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama joined CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe to present trophies. This act symbolized football as a catalyst for unity and opportunity.

President Mahama praised the tournament's spirit: “It’s about building character and creating opportunities.” Dr. Motsepe added that it represents a revolution in education and hope for youth.

Hope was evident throughout the week with inspiring stories. Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan engaged with players as a CAF Ambassador. He conducted the tournament draw alongside Ivorian coach Clémentine Touré.

Gyan encouraged young players to dream bigger: “We didn’t have opportunities like this.” For many players, meeting him was unforgettable; they felt motivated by his words.

The championship also focused on building futures beyond trophies. Thanks to a $10 million partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, winning schools received funds for development: $300,000 for winners, $200,000 for runners-up, and $150,000 for third place.

These funds will improve school facilities and resources long after the tournament ends. Before its inaugural edition in Mozambique in 2022, CAF aimed to emphasize education through sports.

Now in its third year, the championship has fulfilled that promise successfully. Sarah Mukuna from CAF stated they are elevating this competition while fostering education.

Notably, this championship achieved gender parity with equal participation from boys' and girls' teams. Both categories received equal coverage and investment to empower more girls through football.

Off the pitch excitement matched what happened during matches. CAF hosted capacity-building programs alongside football events this year.

Coaches participated in certification courses while young referees received training too. Workshops addressed child protection led by Ghana FA’s Obed Tuffour: “We want our players to enjoy without fear.”

The championship's impact is visible through stories like Ntombifuthi Khumalo's journey as a coach from South Africa who returned as a mentor this year: “Football gave me a voice.”

Launched three years ago under Dr. Patrice Motsepe's leadership, this initiative reached over 1.9 million youth across 46 countries according to CAF data.

Its legacy will not be defined solely by trophies but by better-equipped schools and trained educators nurturing confident children with dreams.

As twilight fell over Accra after celebrations ended, one truth emerged clearly: Africa’s youth are ready for their future through sport grounded in education.