In a vibrant celebration of Africa’s future football stars, history was made on Saturday, April 26, at the University of Ghana where dreams were realized and others painfully deferred.
Uganda’s representatives, St Noah Girls, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short as Ghana’s U-15 Girls triumphed 2-0 to lift their first-ever CAF African Schools Football Championship continental title.
Roared on by an electrified home crowd, Ghana’s young heroines delivered a spirited performance that overwhelmed St Noah who had dazzled throughout the tournament.
Goals on either side of halftime sealed the fate for the Ugandan side who despite the setback, earned admiration for their resilience and technical prowess on their debut at this elite stage.
It was a double celebration for the host nation, with Ghana’s Boys U-15 team also claiming a podium finish.
They overcame Uganda’s SMASK (St Mary’s Kitende) in the third-place playoff, denying Uganda a spot on the podium in the boys’ division as well.
Despite a spirited effort, SMASK couldn’t find a way past a determined Ghanaian side, who capitalized on their chances and sealed victory.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s U-15 Boys team reaffirmed their dominance in African Schools football by retaining their crown.
In a tense final against Senegal, the defending champions showed nerves of steel, clinching victory through a dramatic penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
With goalkeeper Rajabu Manyelezi earning the tournament’s top goalkeeping honour, Tanzania once again cemented their place at the pinnacle of the continent’s youth football scene.
As the third edition of Africa’s largest schools football competition wrapped up, the event was graced by dignitaries, including CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Ghana’s Head of State, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who jointly awarded the trophies, marking a symbolic moment of pride and unity for African football.
Individual brilliance also shone through: Ghana’s Jennifer Awuku was crowned Player of the Tournament in the girls’ category while South Africa’s Pulane Moloi claimed the Top Scorer award.
In the boys’ division, Souleymane Commissaire Faye’s outstanding performances earned him Player of the Tournament while Ghana’s John Andor and Ingatus Cyril Acquah Hagan shared the Top Scorer accolade.
