The Gambia has been confirmed as the host nation for the opening phase of the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2025/26 Zonal Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from November 20 to 30, 2025.

The announcement was made by the Confederation African Football (CAF) on Friday, confirming that the WAFU A Zone will launch this season’s qualifiers, the pathway to the Continental Finals of Africa’s biggest youth schools football competition.

The tournament, first introduced in 2022, brings together boys and girls under the age of 15, combining football development with educational empowerment across the continent.

CAF Director of Member Associations, Sarah Mukuna, said the growing programme continues to make a meaningful impact on African youth

“The CAF African Schools Football Championship has grown beyond being just a football competition. It is now a powerful developmental platform that empowers young Africans both on and off the field,” she noted. “Each edition continues to reaffirm the vision of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who believes in building sustainable pathways for the next generation through football and education.”

More than 800,000 young players from across Africa are expected to participate in the 2025/26 edition, alongside parallel capacity-building initiatives, including the Young Reporters Programme, Young Referees Programme, Young Medical Officers Programme and several coaching and safeguarding workshops led by CAF experts and legends of the game.

The championship also offers major financial incentives. Winners of both the Boys’ and Girls’ Continental Finals will receive USD 300,000 each, while runners-up will take USD 200,000 and bronze medalists USD 150,000.

By Ebrima KB Sonko