Senegal and Gambia emerged triumphant in the WAFU A qualifiers of the CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC), securing their spots in the upcoming Finals of the prestigious tournament.
The thrilling three-day event, held at Mauritania’s Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Nouakchott from 01 to 03 March, showcased the remarkable talent of young learners from the region.
In the boys’ division, Senegal clinched the title after facing tough competition from Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, and Mauritania. Meanwhile, Gambia triumphed in the girls’ category, overcoming challenges from Cape Verde, Guinea, and Senegal.
The successful conclusion of the WAFU A qualifiers marks a significant milestone as the journey to the Finals intensifies. With winners from various CAF Zones gearing up for the ultimate showdown, the anticipation for the Finals is palpable, albeit the date is yet to be announced.
Beyond the thrill of competition, CAF’s commitment to nurturing young talent was evident through various capacity-building initiatives conducted during the event.
Learners, educators, and local coaches had the opportunity to participate in CAF-accredited courses and workshops, aligning with the competition’s mission of fostering future African leaders.
Among the programs offered were the CAF D License Coaching Course, Leadership Programme, CAF Safeguarding Programme, Young Reporters Programme, and Young Referees Programme.
These initiatives not only enrich the participants’ knowledge and skills but also contribute to the holistic development of football in the region.
The ASFC continues to break new ground in youth football, reaching an impressive 800,000 young African boys and girls in its second season.
As the tournament progresses, attention now turns to the upcoming UNIFFAC Zone qualifiers, with eager anticipation for the next chapter in this remarkable journey towards the Finals.
Dates and venues for the UNIFFAC Zone qualifiers will be communicated in due course, further heightening the excitement surrounding this groundbreaking competition.