CAF African Schools Championship draw sets stage for thrilling showdown in Zimbabwe

The stage is set for an exciting edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Zimbabwe 2026 after the official draw unveiled a series of intriguing group stage fixtures in Harare on Thursday.

Hosts Zimbabwe will carry the weight of expectation as they headline Group A in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions, where they are set to face some of Africa’s most promising emerging football nations.

The matchups are expected to test their strength early in the tournament.

In the girls’ category, Zimbabwe have been drawn against Morocco, Zambia and DR Congo in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group. Meanwhile, defending champions Ghana will begin their title defence in Group B, where they are scheduled to battle Guinea, Tanzania and Burkina Faso in a challenging campaign.

The boys’ competition is equally stacked with quality. Defending champions Tanzania have been placed in a demanding Group B alongside Zambia, Senegal and Benin, setting up what could be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

Zimbabwe’s boys’ team will also have their work cut out in Group A, where they will come up against Uganda, Morocco and DR Congo in a group widely expected to deliver intense and closely contested matches.

The tournament will kick off on 06 April 2026, with the final slated for 10 April in Harare, as young talents from across the continent gather to showcase their potential on a grand stage.

Adding prestige to the draw ceremony were African football legends Amanda Dlamini of South Africa and Esrom Nyandoro of Zimbabwe, who were present as participating teams discovered their paths to continental glory.

Since its inception in 2022, the CAF African Schools Football Championship has grown into a flagship initiative aimed at nurturing young football talent while promoting education and community development. Backed by the Motsepe Foundation’s significant investment, the programme has rapidly expanded its reach across the continent.

The competition continues to make a meaningful impact, with millions of young boys and girls already benefiting from the initiative and thousands of schools participating across Africa.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the tournament also provides substantial rewards to support development in participating schools. The winners in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions will receive USD 300,000, while runners-up and third-placed teams will earn USD 200,000 and USD 150,000, respectively.

As anticipation builds ahead of kickoff, the 2026 edition promises not only exciting football but also a continued commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through sport and education.