By Levy Masiteng
In a stunning upset, Zambia emerged victorious in both the boys’ and girls’ finals at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Qualifier South Africa 2025, held in Stellenbosch.
Over the weekend, Zambia defeated their South African counterparts, ending South Africa’s three-year dominance in the competition.
Zambia’s boys’ team won the championship title, taking home a prize of USD 100,000, while the girls’ team also claimed the top spot, winning the same amount.
South Africa, the host nation, received USD 75,000 for finishing as runners-up in both competitions.
In the boys’ final, Zambia came from behind to defeat South Africa 2-1, with Maxen Msimuko scoring the winning goal.
In the girls’ final, Zambia secured a 1-0 win over South Africa, thanks to a goal from Matildah Hambulo.
South Africa’s teams had a tough outing, despite showing promising performances throughout the tournament.
“The boys’ team took an early lead in the final but conceded two goals, while the girls’ team was unable to capitalise on their chances,” CAF said in a statement.
CAF said its sponsor, TotalEnergies, provided four sets of home kits to the winners of each competition, along with a Sunshine 24″ TV, and a solar lighting, charging and entertainment system.
“South Africa received the same donations as the host nation of the competition.”
The CAF African Schools Football Championship is a prestigious competition that aims to promote football development among young players in Africa.
The tournament is sponsored by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who has invested USD 10 million in the competition.
“This prize money is to be used for infrastructure development at schools, and many teams have invested in educational and sporting aids for their learners,” said CAF.
Zambia will represent the COSAFA region at the continental finals next year, where they will compete against other top teams from across Africa.
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