CS Ben Sekou Sylla students were crowned boys’ champions at the end of the final of the inaugural edition of the 2023 CAF African School Football Championship (ASFC) which was played in Durban, South Africa on Saturday. Fountain Gate School in Tanzania also won the girls trophy.
The matches took place on Saturday, April 08, 2023, at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. CS Ben Sekou Sylla defeated South Africa’s Clapham High School. The locals were however considered the favorites of the competition. But the game ended draw (1-1), before the penalty shootouts lost by Clapham High School.
In girls game, Omar IBN Khatab School of Morocco also lost (3-0) to Fountain Gate School.
The winners each received $300,000. A sum offered by the Motsepe Foundation which made a total donation of 10 million USD for the inaugural edition of this pan-African school competition.
“We are so proud of all the young boys and girls that have competed here, you are the future,” Dr Patrice Motsepe the president of CAF said. “The most successful football nations in the world invest in youth.”
CS Ben Sekou Sylla striker Mohamed Sacko finished top scorer (6 goals) while unfortunate finalist Kagiso Maloka (Clapham High School, 1 goal) won the competition’s best player award.
Among the girls, the Tanzanian from Fountain Gate School, Wilifrida Gerald (11 goals), is rewarded with the titles of top scorer and best player.
The Gambians of Scan Aid occupy the last place of the podium, after their victory acquired at the expense of the players of CSG of Mfilou, in the match for third place (0-0, 4-3 after penalties on penalties).