Ivory Coast emerged as champions of the first-ever African School Games after defeating host nation Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout at the El Akid Chabou Stadium in Annaba on Monday.
The tightly contested final failed to produce a goal in regular time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a match characterized by cautious play and few clear-cut chances.
However, it was the Ivorians who held their nerve when it mattered most, converting all five of their penalty kicks to claim a 5-3 victory in the shootout after the match ended goalless.
Algeria’s U17s, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, managed to keep the Elephants at bay for the duration of the match but faltered in the decisive moments of the shootout.
The Ivorians, in contrast, displayed remarkable composure from the spot, capitalizing on Algeria’s missed attempts to secure the title and etch their name in history as the tournament’s first winners.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Ivory Coast, as the African School Games represent a major new platform for nurturing young talent on the continent.
The competition was born out of a joint initiative between the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the International School Sports Federation (ISF), an idea that took root during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Games aim to develop and promote African sport through careful talent detection, quality supervision, effective training, and better support for sports careers, explained ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf during the tournament’s inauguration on July 26 at Annaba’s May 19, 1956 Stadium.
Targeted at athletes aged 12 to 18, the event aspires to become a cornerstone in Africa’s sporting landscape, offering a structured pathway for young athletes to hone their skills and gain competitive experience.
The challenge now is to make it a long-term event and establish it as a permanent fixture on the continental sporting calendar, said Berraf, reflecting on the tournament’s potential impact.
Despite the heartbreak of losing on home soil, Algeria’s young team showcased resilience and promise throughout the competition.
For Ivory Coast, this triumph is not just a trophy but a testament to the nation’s ongoing investment in youth development and a statement of intent for future continental competitions.
As the African School Games close their maiden chapter, the success of the event signals a bright future for youth sports across Africa, with plans already underway to solidify its place as a recurring showcase of the continent’s emerging athletic talents.
— ACNOA ANOCA (@AcnoaAnoca) July 26, 2025
