The CAF African Schools Football Championship WAFU-B Qualifiers wrapped up in vibrant fashion over the weekend in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, delivering a celebration of youth football excellence both on and off the pitch.
After three days of intense competition and impactful development programmes, Benin (Boys) and Burkina Faso (Girls) emerged as champions to secure their places at next year’s Continental Finals.
In the Boys’ Division, Benin showcased remarkable team spirit throughout the tournament. Their journey culminated in a disciplined performance to overcome Niger 5-4 on penalties in the final, following an evenly balanced 1-1 stalemate.
Côte d’Ivoire completed the medal positions with a third place finish following a 7 – 6 penalty shootout victory over hosts, Burkina Faso.
The Girls’ Division belonged to hosts Burkina Faso, who delighted home supporters with a commanding run to the title in front of their home supporters against Ghana who came second after the hosts secured a narrow 1-0 win.
Benin rounded off the podium with a well-earned third-place finish after an impressive campaign that concluded with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Cote d’ivoire after a 1-1 stalemate.
Alongside the on-field action, the tournament also delivered a rich programme of CAF Capacity Building initiatives, underscoring CAF’s commitment to holistic youth development.
On the sidelines of the competition, young participants, coaches and educators benefitted from interactive sessions across multiple disciplines. This included the CAF Young Reporters, Young Referees, Safeguarding, Drive the Future (TotalEnergies), Medical, Young Doctors, Digital Drill, Football Analytics as well as a Community Coach Clinic.
To date, a three of the six Zonal Qualifiers have now officially taken place, with CECAFA, UNAF as well as UNIFFAC set to crown their champions over the next few days.
CAF African Schools Football Championship WAFU B Results:
GIRLS RESULTS:
Burkina Faso (Champions)
Ghana (Runners-up)
Benin (Third place)
BOYS RESULTS:
Benin (Champions)
Niger (Runners-up)
Côte d’Ivoire (Third place)
GOALKEEPER OF THE TOURNAMENT:
Girls: Zabré Nafissatou from Burkina Faso
Boys: Haminoulay Sani Oumarou from Niger
TOP GOALSCORER
Girls: Magaret Akosua (Ghana) 5 goals
Boys: Maman Bachirou (Benin) 2 goals
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Girls: Belem Oumou (Burkina Faso)
Boys: Bah Lehman (Benin)
FAIR PLAY TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
Girls: Niger
Boys: Burkina Faso
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
