Zambia’s under-15 boys’ and girls’ national teams will have a chance to claim US$300,000 in prize money when they compete at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals 2026 set for Harare from April 2–10.
The tournament will bring together 16 teams in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, including hosts Zimbabwe.
The boys’ team qualified for the first time after defeating South Africa 2–1 in the regional final under coach Evaristo Mkandawire, while the girls’ team will also be making their debut at the continental showpiece under coach Chisala Chibesa.
The Zambia Boys and Girls National Teams were crowned champions of the CAF African Schools Championship | COSAFA Qualifiers after defeating South Africa in both finals in December last year.
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba said the competition remains a key investment in the future of African football.
“The CAF African Schools Football Championship programme is a strategic investment in the future of African football. Under the leadership of CAF President Patrice Motsepe, this programme continues to combine sporting excellence with education and capacity building,” he said.
Mosengo-Omba added that the inclusion of teams from sister confederations, who will be confirmed later before this year’s finals, will further enhance exposure for young African talent on the global stage.
Runners-Up and Third-Place Teams to Receive Prize Money
This is the fourth edition of the tournament, with over three million boys and girls participating across 48 countries and more than 82,000 schools.
The runners-up in the competition will walk away with US$200,000, while the third-placed teams will get US$150,000. The funds are expected to assist the countries in maintaining or improving the sports facilities, classrooms, and libraries.
CAF will also provide capacity-building opportunities for coaches, referees, and media personnel.
In the Girls’ category, the teams participating are Zimbabwe (hosts), Ghana (champions), Burkina Faso, Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia, and DR Congo.
In the Boys’ category, the qualified teams are Zimbabwe (hosts), Tanzania (champions), Benin, Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and DR Congo.
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