By: Belinda Nketia
The stage is now officially set for Africa’s brightest young footballers as the draw for the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship was successfully conducted on April 21, 2025, in Accra.
The championship is scheduled to run from April 23 to 26, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The draw, which took place at MultiChoice Ghana, brought together top football figures, including Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan and Ivorian coach Clémentine Touré, who conducted the draws for the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
In the boys’ category, host nation Ghana lands in Group A alongside South Africa, Uganda, and Algeria, each boasting a strong pedigree in youth football. Ghana’s home advantage and history of technical play make them a team to watch, but South Africa’s structure and Uganda’s recent investments in school football could provide stiff competition.
Group B sees defending champions Tanzania grouped with DR Congo, Senegal, and debutants Côte d’Ivoire. Tanzania will be confident, but Senegal’s athleticism and DR Congo’s unpredictability offer a real threat in what appears to be a tight group.
In the girls’ division, Ghana headline Group A with Morocco, Malawi, and Benin. Morocco brings a tactical edge, but Ghana’s balanced squad could make a strong impression. Group B features title-holders South Africa, joined by Uganda, DR Congo, and The Gambia which is happens to be a group packed with speed, power, and technical flair.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the winners earning their shot at the title in the grand final.
Speaking during the event, Asamoah Gyan urged players to take education seriously alongside football. “They should focus on their education, and have it support their natural talent which no one can take from them,” he said.
Touré, highlighting the broader impact of the event, noted: “We are not just developing players, we are developing people. That’s what we want.”
Also present were Amanda Dlamini, a former South African captain and now a CAF Women’s Football Development Officer, and Ghana Football Association Vice President Mark Addo.
Ahead of the tournament, CAF is also rolling out youth-focused programs in refereeing, sports journalism, coaching, medical care, and safeguarding bringing this year’s theme, “Encourage, Educate, and Engage,” to life both on and off the pitch and further portrays the championship not only as a showcase of emerging football talent, but a platform to support education, build confidence, and cultivate leadership among Africa’s next generation.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship is fast becoming a cornerstone of youth football development on the continent. With its blend of high-level competition and grassroots empowerment, the tournament brings together rising stars from across Africa in a showcase of talent, teamwork, and determination to compete internationally.
This year’s finals in Ghana brings together the best school teams from across Africa in both boys’ and girls’ divisions.
This is about pride, progress, and the future of African football.
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