CAF African Schools Football Championship: Semi-final nailbiters set up tantalising WAFU B finals clash

A pair of tense semi-final encounters on Saturday set the stage for an exciting finals weekend at the WAFU B African Schools Football Championship in the Togolese capital, Lome.  

On the boys' side, Cote d'Ivoire edged Nigeria 1-0 to book a final clash with Benin. The latter emerged 5-4 winners on penalties against rivals Ghana after a 1-1 draw.  

Ghana prevailed 2-0 over Benin in the girls' semis to tee up a title-decider with hosts Togo. They progressed via a dramatic 5-4 shootout win against Cote d'Ivoire following a 1-1 stalemate.

The nailbiting semi-finals exemplified the outstanding talent and determination across the zonal tournament in Lome.

Spearheaded by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, over 800,000 youths from 28,000 schools in 44 nations have now participated in the pioneering championship's second edition.

Beyond the pitch, initiatives like coaching and refereeing workshops continue developing well-rounded future African leaders.  

But the on-field finale promises further excitement this weekend with regional bragging rights up for grabs.  

On Sunday, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire's Under-15 boys meet to settle an intense West African rivalry. The title itself will be contested between the Ivorians and a dangerous Benin outfit.   

Then Ghana's girls take on hosts Togo after their tense wins over known foes. With vocal home backing, giant-killing Togo will believe they can upset their established neighbours.

Following this week's WAFU B edition, upcoming zonal tournaments pave the road to April's pan-African climax.  

Yet the eyes of Africa's next generation turn eagerly to Sunday's finals in Lome first.