The talented captain played a pivotal role throughout the competition, inspiring her teammates with strong leadership and consistent performances on the pitch.

Her influence was evident in Ghana’s run to the final, where the Black Damsels defeated Burkina Faso in a dramatic penalty shootout to retain their title.

Her recognition as Best Player highlights not only her individual brilliance but also her importance to the team’s success.

The triumph marks a back-to-back championship win for the Ghana U15 Girls National Team and further cements Ghana’s status as one of the brightest young talent hub in African schools football.

Credit: Ghana FA

The closely contested match ended level after regulation time, forcing the game into penalties where both sides showed remarkable composure.

Ghana eventually edged out Burkina Faso in a tense shootout, sealing a memorable triumph for the young side.

The victory confirms the Black Damsels as back-to-back champions of the continental schools tournament, underlining their dominance and consistency at this level.

The Black Damsels displayed resilience, determination, and mental strength throughout the competition, and their latest success further highlights the bright future of women’s football in Ghana.

Credit: Ghana FA

A 27-member contingent made up of 20 players and 7 team officials travelled to Zimbabwe for the tournament, which brings together the best U15 national schools football teams from across Africa.

The Black Damsels head into the tournament with confidence after emerging champions in the previous edition, where they impressed on their way to lifting the trophy in Ghana.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship has become one of the continent’s most important youth development platforms, giving young footballers the opportunity to showcase their talent while promoting education and grassroots football development.

Credit: Ghana FA

What began as a school event quickly transformed into a vibrant family gathering, drawing together students, parents, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community for a day dedicated to relaxation, bonding, and shared joy.

The event opened with a lively aerobic session that set the tone for the day. Parents, staff, and students danced, stretched, and laughed together, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement from the very start.

Throughout the day, the school field buzzed with activity. Parents, staff, students, and alumni competed enthusiastically in track and field events including the 100-metre race, relay, and high jump, each contest accompanied by loud cheers and friendly banter.

There was truly something for everyone. Volleyball, basketball, and a variety of indoor games – such as ludo, draughts, oware, cards and table tennis – kept participants and spectators equally engaged. Children enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting, and horse rides, adding colour and delight to the event.

In addition to the games, a free eye-screening exercise was organised (facilitated by Fresh Luk Eye Centre), offering parents, staff, and visitors the opportunity to check their eye health while enjoying the festivities.

The football matches drew the largest crowd and delivered the most thrilling moments of the day. Teams made up of staff, parents, students, and alumni competed fiercely. The final match, between the staff and students, ended in a tense penalty shootout. With a narrow 7–6 victory, the students emerged as winners, sending the crowd into loud celebration.

Food vendors and exhibitors further enriched the experience, offering a variety of meals, snacks, clothing, accessories, perfumes, and other items.

A book library stand also attracted attention, reinforcing the school’s belief that learning and leisure can go hand in hand.

As the event drew to a close, medals were presented to individual winners. Overall honours for the Fun Games were awarded to the staff of New Nation School, with the trophy presented by the Principal, Mr. Robert Ahiabenu.

In an interview, Mr. Ahiabenu explained that the Annual Family Fun Games is designed to bring together members of the school community and its partners in a relaxed environment to bond, collaborate, and enjoy the strength of communal spirit. He expressed his appreciation to the Board of Directors and Management for supporting the vision, the Organising Committee for their dedication, and all participants for embracing the initiative.

The Director of the school, Dr. John Kpikpi, also expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event. He commended the school management for their commitment to excellence and shared his anticipation for even bigger and better editions in the years ahead.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the Founders, Dr. and Mrs. Kpikpi, as well as two of the Deputy Directors, Dr. Esther Onah and Mr. Isaac John Kpikpi.

It was a colourful day, a joyful day, a day of togetherness.

More than just games, December 5, 2025 was a day for celebration of people coming together, sharing joy, and creating memories that will be cherished for a long time.

Credit: New Nation School, Lakeside

The week-long multi-game event spanned October 1-8, with EGA starting with a thrilling comeback victory over pre-tournament favourites Ashanti Brong Ahafo (ASHBA). After conceding early in the first half, EGA rallied in style to win 2–1, thanks to goals from Jephter Oduro and Johnson Ansah.

Their momentum continued with a narrow 1–0 win against Volta in the next game, sealed by Emmanuel Akoto’s lone strike.

Northern were next up to face the fury of EGA, Johnson Ansah’s brilliant finish after a swift counterattack proved decisive for a 1-0 triumph.

EGA’s crowning moment came in the final match against hosts Central Western (CentWest), after recording a dominant 3-1 result thanks to 2-goal hero Jephter Oduro who struck a thunderbolt free kick and Seth Oduro’s header from a corner.

The overall victory masterminded by the technical team led by Ralph Frimpong, assisted by Ebenezer Kisseh marks EGA’s first men’s soccer title in 15 years, their last having come in Kumasi in 2010.

For his exceptional performances and leadership throughout the tournament, EGA’s Johnson Ansah was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.

Meanwhile, Volta Region have been selected to host the next edition in 2027.

Credit: Ebenezer Kisseh

The games will be a celebration of youth, sportsmanship, and unity, as young athletes from across Africa gather to showcase their talents, learn from each other, and forge lasting bonds. The event will feature a range of individual and team sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, and football, providing a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and passion.

The 2025 African School Games are more than just a sporting event they are a catalyst for youth development, talent identification, and sports growth on the continent.

Under the patronage of Algerian Head of State, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the games are expected to leave a lasting legacy, improving sports infrastructure and stimulating sports development across Africa.

As Team Ghana and other countries prepare to depart for the games, the excitement is palpable.

With 11 sporting disciplines represented, including boxing, basketball, and swimming, Ghana’s young athletes are ready to take on the best of Africa. Uganda, too, has been flagged off, with their athletes eager to make their mark on the continent.

The 2025 African School Games promise to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the talent, dedication, and spirit of Africa’s young athletes. As the games unfold, we can expect to witness the emergence of new stars, the forging of lifelong friendships, and the celebration of African unity and excellence.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan 

His words were filled with pride, encouragement, and high expectations.

“To all the athletes, technical coaches, and support staff, I want to extend my heartfelt best wishes for a successful and memorable tournament,” Hon. Adams said.

“Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have brought you to this moment, and I have every confidence that you will make Ghana proud,” he added.

As the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Adams emphasized the importance of the championships, not just as a platform for showcasing talent, but also as an opportunity for young athletes to learn, grow, and develop their skills.

“I urge you all to be ambassadors of Ghanaian sports, to conduct yourselves with dignity and sportsmanship, and to give it your all on the field,” he cautioned.

Hon. Adams praised the team’s preparation and commitment, noting that their participation in the championship was a testament to their talent and potential.

“I am proud to lead a ministry that supports and empowers young athletes like yourselves, and I am confident that you will make a lasting impression in Algeria,” he said.

With the Minister’s best wishes, Team Ghana departed for Algeria, ready to take on the best young athletes from across the continent and showcase their skills on the biggest stage. Ghana will participate in 11 sporting disciplines.

The team’s journey was one of hope, determination, and national pride, and Hon. Adams’ words of encouragement served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan