By Kwame Bediako
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium has been closed for renovations ahead of the CAF African Schools Football Championship, scheduled to take place from April 21 to April 26, 2025.
This edition marks Ghana’s debut as the first West African nation to host the tournament, which has previously been held in South Africa and Tanzania.
The renovations have led to venue changes, affecting both the tournament and domestic football fixtures. Hearts of Oak recently relocated their Ghana Premier League match against Nations FC to the Tuba Astroturf due to the stadium closure.
Launched in April 2022, the championship has expanded, with the 2025 edition featuring national school teams from 46 countries. Zonal qualifiers, held between October 2024 and January 2025, determined the teams for the continental final.
The tournament will include the 2023-2024 boys’ and girls’ champions, winners from CAF’s six zones, and host nation Ghana. The competition offers a $650,000 prize pool, with the winning school receiving $300,000, the runner-up earning $200,000, and third-place taking home $150,000.
The event serves as a platform for young talent and reflects the growing influence of African football on the global stage.
