By Spy Uganda
CS Ben Sekou Sylla from Guinea and Fountain Gate School of Tanzania have been crowned champions of the boys’ and girls’ competitions respectively at the inaugural 2022/23 CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Final played in Durban, South Africa.
CS Ben Sekou Sylla defeated home favourites Clapham High School on penalties in Saturday’s final following a thrilling 1-1 draw played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of more than 6,000 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
Fountain Gate had an easier time in seeing off Moroccan side Ecole Omar IBN Khatab 3-0 to cap a wonderful tournament.
The winning teams each receive USD 300,000 after the Motsepe Foundation donated USD 10-million in the inaugural year of the Pan-African schools competition.
The finals were the culmination of an outstanding four days of football in which the future stars of the African continent were able to showcase their quality in a celebration of the Beautiful Game.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa, all CAF Vice-Presidents, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and COSAFA President Artur de Almeida e Silva, as well as football leaders from across the African continent, were in attendance in Durban.
“We are so proud of all the young boys and girls that have competed here, you are the future,” Dr Motsepe said. “The most successful football nations in the world invest in youth.
“It is part of our commitment to develop football in every country of Africa, and the nations that are here, we are so proud of you. We know the investment we are making in schools football will result in the African game competing with the best in the world and being self-sustaining.
“The money that the schools have won will be used to build football infrastructure for boys and girls so they can develop further.
“We want to thank COSAFA for hosting us and for everyone who has made this tournament possible.”
Fountain Gate School were worthy winners of the girls’ competition as they defeated Ecole Omar IBN Khatab from Morocco 3-0 in the final to become the inaugural champions and take home the USD 300,000 first prize.
Their star striker Winifrida Gerald grabbed a brace to take her tally to 11 for the tournament and earn her the Top Scorer prize in a superb individual display of composed finishing.
Irene Chitanda scored the third for the East Africans, who confirmed their status as the leading girls’ team in the competition with their incisive attacking play and star at the top of the pitch in Gerald.
Ecole Omar IBN Khatab earn a hefty consolation for their silver medal with USD 200,000 in prize-money for their school.
Scan Aid from The Gambia claimed third place as they edged Congolese side CSG De Mfilou 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in the bronze medal match.
