CAF African Schools Football Championship delivers promise for Africa’s young football talent – Nsemkeka

CAF African Schools Football Championship delivers promise for Africa’s young football talent – Nsemkeka

As rain poured under the open skies of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra on April 26, another chapter in African youth football was being written. The 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship had come to a close, offering powerful reminders of sport’s ability to inspire, educate, and transform lives.

Held from April 21 to 26, the tournament brought together young talents under the age of 15 from schools across the continent to compete, learn, and grow, with Ghana’s boys’ and girls’ teams leading the charge as hosts.

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

The final day belonged to Ghana’s girls’ team, who secured their first-ever title with a 2–0 win over Uganda. Adwoa Nyamekye, the 15-year-old captain whose second-half goal sealed the victory, held the trophy with trembling hands and tearful eyes. “This is for every girl who dreams big,” she said quietly, caught between joy and disbelief. “We believed, and today, we made history.”

Earlier that afternoon, the boys’ final had delivered a tense and tightly contested match. Defending champions Tanzania faced Senegal in a goalless draw that led to penalties. In the shootout, Tanzania held their nerve to win 3–2, claiming back-to-back titles and reinforcing their growing dominance in African schools football.

What truly set this year’s championship apart was not just the competition itself but the sense of purpose that shaped every aspect of the event. As the final whistle blew and the champions stepped up to the podium, Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, stood alongside CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. Together, they handed the golden trophies to the winners—a symbolic act reflecting the deeper vision behind this continental initiative: football not only as sport, but as a catalyst for unity, education, and opportunity.

President Mahama praised the spirit of the tournament. “This championship is about more than winning,” he said. “It’s about building character, creating opportunity, and showcasing the best of Africa’s young talent.” Dr. Motsepe echoed the sentiment. “What we are witnessing is a revolution in African football,” he said. “But even more importantly, it is a revolution in education, in leadership, and in hope for our youth.”

That spirit of hope was evident in the stories woven throughout the week. Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan, now a CAF Ambassador, was a visible presence throughout the tournament, engaging with players, conducting the tournament draw alongside Ivorian coach Clémentine Touré, and offering words of encouragement to the next generation. “We didn’t have opportunities like this at their age,” Gyan said. “It boosts them to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more, not just in football, but in life.” For many young players, meeting him was unforgettable. “He told me to keep training and never give up,” said 14-year-old Abdul Karim from The Gambia. “I’ll remember those words forever.”

But the championship was about more than lifting trophies; it was also about building futures. Thanks to the Motsepe Foundation’s $10 million partnership with CAF, winning schools received $300,000, runners-up $200,000, and third-place teams $150,000—all designated for educational and infrastructure development. These funds will be invested directly into improving school facilities, equipment, and training resources, ensuring that the championship leaves a lasting impact long after the final whistle.

Before the competition’s inaugural edition in Mozambique in 2022, CAF stated that the tournament’s aim was to “emphasize education and development by encouraging young people to stay in school while engaging in sports.” Now in its third year, the championship has delivered on that promise—and more.

“We are elevating this competition to new heights and strengthening our mission to develop the next generation of football stars while fostering education,” said Sarah Mukuna, CAF’s Director of Member Associations.

Among its accomplishments, the championship has become CAF’s first competition to achieve gender parity, with an equal number of boys’ and girls’ teams participating. Matches across both categories have also received equal prominence in terms of coverage and investment. CAF hopes this will empower more girls across the continent to see football as a viable path and a platform for personal growth.

The impact off the pitch matched the excitement on it. Alongside the football, CAF hosted a range of capacity-building programs. Coaches took part in CAF D License certification courses, while young referees, medical officers, and sports journalists received hands-on training. Safeguarding workshops, led by Ghana FA’s Obed Tuffour, addressed child protection in sports. “We want our players to enjoy the game without fear,” Tuffour said. “By equipping them with the tools and knowledge, we empower them to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.”

The transformational potential of the championship is already visible in stories like that of Ntombifuthi Khumalo, a South African coach who led her girls’ team to victory in 2024. This year, she returned not just as a competitor but as a mentor. “Football gave me a voice,” she said. “Now I help others find theirs. That’s the beauty of this championship; it opens doors and changes lives.”

Launched just three years ago under the leadership of Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the African Schools Football Championship has already reached over 1.9 million boys and girls across 46 countries, according to CAF. In its ambition and scope, it has become Africa’s most impactful youth sports initiative.

But its legacy won’t be defined by trophies alone. It will be seen in schools that are better equipped, in educators who are better trained, in children who are more confident, and in dreams that are nurtured rather than deferred.

As twilight faded over Accra and the winning teams took their final lap around the pitch, one truth stood out clearly: Africa’s youth are ready. And through this championship, rooted in sport, grounded in education; they are not just being celebrated. They are being prepared.