Benin Reigns Supreme In WAFU Zone B Boys’ Final
In a thrilling showdown at the West African Football Union (WAFU) B Zone edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship, Benin emerged victorious in the boys’ final, defeating Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 at the Stade Municipal in Lome on Sunday.
Benin’s triumph was sealed with goals from midfielder Ridwane Yerima and Mobine Ayamoudou. Yerima’s well-placed strike and Ayamoudou’s late goal secured a 2-0 win for Benin, despite a resilient effort from the Ivorians in the second half.
The battle for the third spot saw Ghana edging past Nigeria in a penalty shootout after a goalless regulation time, securing a 5-4 victory on penalties.
In recognition of their outstanding performances, the winners and notable players were honored with awards. Abdul Assani from Benin received the Best Player award, while Benin’s goalkeeper Marc Fatalou was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Ridwane Yerim, who played a crucial role in Benin’s success, earned the Top Scorer award.
The WAFU B Zone CAF African Schools Football Championship, held in the bustling capital of Togo from November 24 to 26, brought together five countries—Togo, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.
This edition marked a significant milestone in the championship’s growth, involving over 800,000 young African boys and girls from more than 28,000 schools across 44 countries. Structured into three phases—National, Zonal, and Continental—the competition provides a platform for budding footballers to showcase their skills internationally.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the championship integrates initiatives like the Young Reporters Programme, Young Referee Programme, Medical Officer Programme, Coaches Programme, and the CAF Safeguarding Programme.
The tournament is part of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s commitment to developing Africa’s next generation of football talent and future leaders.
After the successful hosting in Togo, attention now turns to upcoming zonal tournaments, including UNIFFAC, COSAFA, CECAFA, and WAFU A, leading up to the 2024 continental climax.
