Event Guide
CAF African Schools Football Championship Zimbabwe 26 Final
The CAF African Schools Football Championship — Africa's biggest schools football competition — brings together young talent, education and opportunity through a tournament model built on impact, skills development and legacy.
Key Facts
Competition at a glance
The 2025-26 season is the fourth edition of the programme. The competition was launched in 2022 and has already become the world's biggest schools football competition.
Overview
About the competition
The CAF African Schools Football Championship was launched in April 2022 in Maputo, Mozambique by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe. It was created as a continental platform to identify talent, strengthen schools football ecosystems and connect sport with education and social impact.
The 2025-26 season will mark the second time the Continental Finals are hosted in Southern Africa following the inaugural edition in Durban, South Africa during the 2022-23 season. Previous hosts of the Continental Finals include South Africa (2023), Tanzania (2024) and Ghana (2025).
The competition extends beyond the pitch. Alongside the tournament, CAF delivers a full capacity-building programme designed to leave a legacy of knowledge, skills and practical development in host communities and participating schools.
Prize Money
USD 4M per year
The annual prize money model covers both boys' and girls' competitions at continental finals level, with additional zonal allocations across the six Zonal Unions.
Continental Finals
| Position | Allocation |
|---|---|
| First Place | USD 300,000 |
| Second Place | USD 200,000 |
| Third Place | USD 150,000 |
Combined across boys and girls competitions, this totals USD 1,300,000 at continental finals level.
Zonal Phase
| Position | Allocation |
|---|---|
| First Place | USD 100,000 |
| Second Place | USD 75,000 |
| Third Place | USD 50,000 |
Each category receives USD 225,000 at zonal level, amounting to USD 2,700,000 across the six Zonal Unions.
Legacy and Investment
Impact beyond the tournament
The Motsepe Foundation invested an initial USD 10,000,000 to contribute towards prize money and the wider development of the competition model.
To date, in excess of USD 2,600,000 has been contributed towards refurbishments of educational and sporting facilities at numerous African schools.
The championship is intentionally built as both a sporting competition and a development platform, with prize money reinvested into schools, infrastructure and educational or sporting improvements.
Legacy-led competition model
Past Winners
Previous continental champions
Boys
| Season | Winners | Runners-up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | CS Ben Sekou Sylla (Guinea) | Clapham High School (South Africa) | Salima Secondary School (Malawi) |
| 2023-24 | Tanzania | Guinea | Senegal |
| 2024-25 | Tanzania | Senegal | Ghana |
Girls
| Season | Winners | Runners-up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Fountain Gate School (Tanzania) | Ecole Omar IBN Khatab (Morocco) | Scan Aid (Gambia) |
| 2023-24 | South Africa | Morocco | Uganda |
| 2024-25 | Ghana | Uganda | South Africa |
Capacity Building Programmes
Skills, development and legacy
CAF AFRICAN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2025/26 LEGACY PROGRAMMES run in parallel with the Zonal Qualifiers and Continental Finals and are designed to define career pathways and strengthen the football environment within the school structure.
- 90Coaches awarded D Licence Certificate
- 148Young Reporters Trained
- 163Medical Officers Trained
- 247Safeguarding Officers Trained
- 117Young Referees Trained
- 81Digital Drill
- 200Nutrition
- 150TotalEnergies Drive the Future
- 90Football Analysis
Young Reporters Programme
A blend of theory and practical sessions for aspiring media practitioners, delivered in partnership with CANAL+ University. Participants will get to test their skills at the tournament. The top-performing participants will be chosen for an internship at CANAL+ University in Paris, France.
CAF D Licence Coaching Course
A blend of practical and theory sessions for educators from schools within the host city, delivered in partnership with the French Football Federation.
Safeguarding
An introduction to safeguarding in football with expert practitioners. Participants come from local clubs and academies.
Young Referees Workshop
Theory and practical sessions are held before the tournament starts with the young referees who will be officiating. Each Member Association travels with two young referees, one male and one female, who benefit from the workshop.
Young Doctors Workshop
Local high school students attend this one-day workshop to understand the medical environment around sports teams and, hopefully, be inspired to work in this field.
Medical Workshop
Targeting the local medical committee and the physicians of participating teams, it aims to prepare both for collaboration during the event.
Digital Drill
Introduces young participants to the role of technology in modern life, while also building awareness of performance analysis.
Football Data Analytics
Selected participants from the coaching workshop undergo training in data analysis. They will apply their skills by collecting and analysing data from the competition.
Drive the Future
In conjunction with TotalEnergies, this three-day workshop focusses on three key aspects:
- Digital Content Workshop — An immersive digital content creation workshop led by a local influencer and TotalEnergies experts, designed to inspire creativity and develop practical skills. The program combines theoretical insights and hands-on sessions over three days.
- Road Safety Workshop — Led by the NGO Global Alliance, structured in two parts: a theoretical session to build awareness of road safety issues and a practical session allowing participants to apply the concepts learned, followed by a debrief.
- Solar Energy Workshop — Led by in-house specialists, this workshop aims to familiarize young people with solar technologies and provide a clear understanding of how solar energy works.
Winning Wallet
An introduction to wealth management and investments, teaching participants how to manage money.
Team Profiles
Boys and girls representatives
Below is an editorial rendering of the profiles supplied in the event guide for the boys and girls representatives.
Benin
Benin's boys' team will make their second appearance at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals, aiming to build on their previous success after an impressive showing in the WAFU B qualifiers, where they secured qualification on merit.
Benin delivered a commendable performance on their debut appearance at the Continental Finals during the 2024 edition in Zanzibar, finishing in fourth place after losing the third-place playoff to Senegal. The Benin boys' team will be looking to replicate that success in the upcoming edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals. They return to the competition after missing out on qualification for the previous edition, making them one of the teams to watch at the tournament set to take place in Zimbabwe.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Fourth place |
| 2023-24 | Fourth place |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for the CAF African Schools Football Championship for the third time, confirming its consistency in this competition dedicated to the development of grassroots football.
The Young Leopards secured their place in the finals after winning the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament held in Libreville in March. They first overwhelmed São Tomé and Príncipe (8-0), recording one of the biggest wins in the zonal qualifiers, before demonstrating control in a more contested match against Gabon (1-1), which they ultimately won on penalties (3-1). This success allowed them to finish top of the tournament and secure continental qualification. Coached by Mavince Kalambay, the young Congolese players embody the progress made by DR Congo in school football in recent years. This third participation, after 2023 and 2025, reflects continuity in the structuring of national school competitions and in identifying young talent. In previous editions, DR Congo gained valuable experience against the best school teams on the continent, a factor that could prove important at the Zimbabwe finals.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Group Stage |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Group Stage |
Morocco
Morocco's boys' team will make their second consecutive appearance at the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals after securing qualification through the UNAF qualifiers held in Cairo, which concluded on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Morocco were crowned champions of the UNAF boys' qualifiers, following a goalless draw against Algeria in their opening match, before recording a 2-0 victory over hosts Egypt to seal their place at the finals. The Morocco U-15 side continue to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, reflecting the broader progress and resurgence seen across Moroccan national teams in recent years.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Senegal
Senegal head into the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship as one of the most consistent and rapidly rising sides in the competition, having established themselves as a dominant force in the WAFU A Zone.
The West Africans secured their place at the continental finals in Zimbabwe after successfully defending their WAFU A title in Banjul in November 2025. In a tense final against Guinea, Senegal held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. Their triumph was further highlighted by individual brilliance, with Bara Gueye emerging as both the Player of the Tournament and the leading goalscorer. In their first appearance at the Continental Finals in 2024, they finished third, announcing themselves as a team capable of competing with the best on the continent. They followed that performance with an even stronger showing in 2025, reaching the final, where they narrowly lost to Tanzania on penalties after a fiercely contested encounter. Despite the heartbreak, the tournament proved to be a breakthrough moment, with Souleymane Commissaire Faye named Player of the Tournament, further evidence of the country's rich pipeline of emerging talent.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Third place |
| 2024-25 | Runners-up |
Tanzania
Tanzania will defend their CAF African Schools Football Championship boys' title when they take to the pitch in Zimbabwe this year. The team lifted the continental title for the second season in succession in Ghana last year to maintain a good run of form in Africa's largest schools football competition.
They return to the Continental Finals this year as two-time CAF African Schools Football Championship holders and joint representatives of the CECAFA Zone, along with newly crowned regional champions Uganda. Tanzania's clinching of the title came through a hard-fought victory that was decided on penalties against Senegal. In addition to being crowned champions, they were also awarded the Fair Play Award for their sportsmanship, while Rajabu Manyelezi was voted Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his heroic saves that helped Tanzania to the title.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Winners |
| 2024-25 | Winners |
Uganda
Uganda's boys will appear at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals for a fourth year in a row, though this time it will not be as champions of the CECAFA region, a title currently held by neighbours Tanzania.
The CECAFA zonal representatives edged reigning African champions Tanzania before overcoming Ethiopia 3-2 on penalties after the match had ended goalless at St Mary's Stadium, Kitende. Uganda will be hoping to go all the way in their fourth appearance. The East Africans will be relying on the in-form Nabil Kajumba, who finished as the top goalscorer of the qualifiers, as well as the talented Henry Muhoozi, who was voted Best Player of the Tournament.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Group Stage |
| 2023-24 | Group Stage |
| 2024-25 | Semi-finals |
Zambia
Zambia will be making their debut at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals, having fallen short in the last two editions against South Africa. The Zambians eventually secured their place at the finals after clinching the COSAFA regional title, edging regional rivals South Africa 2-1 in the final in a result that sees the region represented by a different nation for the very first time in the boys' edition.
The Evaristo Mkandawire-coached side will rely on the in-form Maxen Msimuko, who won the Player of the Tournament award, and Charles Sitali, who took home the Golden Boot at COSAFA level after netting four goals. Zambia has built a strong under-15 base that has continued to provide promising talent to the Zambian national under-17 and under-20 sides.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Zimbabwe
As tournament hosts, Zimbabwe will be aiming to put in a strong performance in Africa's premier schools football tournament. Under the guidance of head coach Jatson Maposa, the squad is currently in camp, sharpening its readiness ahead of the competition.
Zimbabwe head into the tournament with experience from the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Zonal Championship in Stellenbosch, where they recorded victories over Mozambique (2-0) and Namibia (1-0), before falling to South Africa. After finishing fifth in the zonal competition and narrowly missing out in Stellenbosch, the finals present a valuable chance for redemption, as well as a significant platform for exposure. Key players Moses Marimudze and Munanawashe Bote will be central to Zimbabwe's ambitions as they look to make an impact in front of their home crowd.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's girls' team will make their historic debut at the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals, with the Burkinabè players aiming to impress in their first-ever appearance. Their qualification comes on the back of an outstanding performance in the WAFU B zonal qualifiers, where they were crowned champions to secure their place at the continental finals in Zimbabwe.
The Burkina Faso girls' team earned a strong reputation following their impressive showing in the zonal qualifiers and will be looking to carry that momentum into their maiden appearance at the finals, with the ambition of making a lasting impact. This marks a significant milestone for Burkina Faso's girls' team as they prepare to write a new chapter in their history on the continental stage. They will be determined to showcase their quality at the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Zimbabwe.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo won the UNIFFAC qualifiers to become the zone's representatives in Zimbabwe. Under the leadership of Pélagie Kata, the team secured qualification for the second consecutive time, earning their continental spot by dominating their two-legged tie against Gabon with convincing victories (2-0 and 6-1).
On the continental stage, DR Congo made its debut at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals in 2025, marking an important milestone in the history of the nation's youth women's football. This participation comes after several unsuccessful qualification campaigns in 2022-23 and 2023-24, making their presence among the top eight African school teams even more significant. The federation's project is relying on this generation to lay the foundations for a bright future for women's school football in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Group stage |
Ethiopia
The Ethiopia girls' U-15 side booked their place at the CAF African Schools Football Championship after a strong showing at the CECAFA zonal qualifiers in December 2025. Competing in Uganda against fellow East African opponents, Ethiopia progressed to the final before overcoming Tanzania on penalties to be crowned champions and secure qualification for the continental finals.
Ethiopia advanced from the group stage before edging past hosts Uganda in the semi-finals via a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, underlining their defensive discipline. In the final, they once again held their nerve from the spot to seal victory, completing an impressive run in the competition. After finishing as runners-up in previous editions, including the 2025 qualifiers, their latest triumph represents a significant milestone and reflects the development of girls' school football in the country.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Ghana
Ghana's U-15 girls return to the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals in 2026 as defending champions, carrying the weight of expectation after their historic triumph on home soil in Accra. The young Damsels announced themselves on the continental stage in style in 2025, defeating Uganda 2-0 in the final at the University of Ghana to clinch the title on their debut appearance. Their victory not only marked a proud milestone for Ghanaian grassroots football but also signalled the emergence of a new generation of talent capable of competing with the best on the continent.
Their dominance at the finals was further underlined by individual accolades, with Jennifer Awuku named Player of the Tournament and Precious Akenguwie crowned Best Goalkeeper, a testament to both their attacking flair and defensive solidity.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Winners |
Guinea
Guinea's U-15 girls' team, led by head coach Aly Badara Cissé, has distinguished itself through strong tactical discipline and organisation on the pitch. Under his guidance, the team adopts a structured and collective style of play. This approach enabled Guinea to concede very few goals during the WAFU A qualifiers while demonstrating efficiency in front of goal. Coach Cissé places particular emphasis on ball control and collective positioning.
This tactical discipline proved decisive during the qualification tournament held in Banjul in November 2025, where Guinea topped the single group with seven points, securing a historic qualification for the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals. Guinea's U-15 girls now emerge as a well-balanced team, capable of competing with the best sides in African schools football.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Morocco
Morocco's girls' team will make their fourth consecutive appearance at the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals, underlining their dominance in the UNAF zonal qualifiers. The Moroccan side secured qualification after being crowned champions of the UNAF qualifiers held in Cairo on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Morocco delivered an impressive performance in the latest qualifiers, edging Algeria 1-0 in their opening match before registering a commanding 4-0 victory over hosts Egypt to clinch the title and book their place at the continental finals.
The Moroccan players have showcased the broader growth of football in the country in recent years, reflecting the steady progress of the game across all levels. With three previous appearances, Morocco's girls' team has built valuable experience, making them one of the strong contenders in the competition. They will once again be a team to watch at the upcoming finals in Zimbabwe.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Runners-up |
| 2023-24 | Runners-up |
| 2024-25 | Group stage |
Zambia
Zambia will be looking to build on their regional success when they make their historic debut appearance at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals this season. The COSAFA champions have been in camp preparing for the continental championship, with coach Chisala Chibesa retaining the core of the winning team from regional level.
Key players for Zambia will be Hildah Kangwa, who was named Player of the Tournament in the girls' COSAFA qualifiers, along with promising shot-stopper Winfridah Mutale, who claimed the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper. The young lasses have the additional incentive of being monitored by the Zambia Under-17 national team technical bench, which has made schools football part of its scouting base.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Schools Women's national team will be aiming to build on their regional success when they make their historic debut appearance at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals this season. The team has been in camp preparing for the continental championship, with coach Irene Mwanza retaining the core of the squad that secured success at regional level.
Key players for Zimbabwe will include Dee Winnie Mapuwa, who scored six goals during the qualifiers. Mapuwa also featured in the COSAFA Under-17 Championship, where she finished as the second-top scorer of the tournament. In addition, Mapuwa and Makanaka Zizipi were named in the Girls Team of the Tournament Best XI. The Zimbabwe Under-17 national team technical staff have incorporated schools football into their scouting pathway, providing the team with added incentive as they continue to be closely monitored.
| Record at the CAF ASFC Continental Finals | |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | Did not qualify |
About the Host Country
Zimbabwe & Harare
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a captivating Southern African nation renowned for its striking natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and enduring spirit. Bordered by the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, the country boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from rolling savannahs and granite kopjes to lush national parks teeming with wildlife. It is home to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls, that draws visitors from across the globe.
Beyond its landscapes, Zimbabwe is defined by its people — warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. The nation's traditions are expressed through vibrant music, dance, visual arts, and storytelling, blending ancient customs with contemporary creativity. Zimbabwean artists, musicians, and innovators continue to shape a dynamic cultural identity that resonates both locally and internationally.
Zimbabwe also holds a strong reputation for resilience and ingenuity. Its evolving economy is supported by agriculture, mining, tourism, and a growing entrepreneurial sector. Across industries, there is a renewed energy focused on innovation, investment, and sustainable growth, positioning the country as an emerging destination for business and collaboration.
Harare
Harare, the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe, is a vibrant and evolving metropolis that reflects the country's energy, creativity, and ambition. Situated on a high plateau, the city enjoys a pleasant climate year-round and is known for its wide, tree-lined avenues and relaxed pace of life.
As the nation's political, economic, and cultural centre, Harare plays a key role in shaping Zimbabwe's identity on the regional and global stage. The city is home to government institutions, corporate headquarters, and a growing network of entrepreneurs and innovators. Its business environment continues to expand, making it an increasingly attractive destination for investment, conferences, and international events.
Harare also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. From contemporary galleries and sculpture parks to live music venues and festivals, the city offers a rich tapestry of creative expression. Local cuisine, fashion, and design further contribute to its distinctive urban character, blending traditional influences with modern trends.
With its combination of professionalism, warmth, and cultural vibrancy, Harare stands as a compelling host city — offering not only convenience and comfort but also a genuine sense of place and connection.
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