The stage is set for an exciting showdown at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Zimbabwe 2026 after the official draw confirmed a series of high-stakes group stage fixtures ahead of kickoff in Harare.
Hosts Zimbabwe will carry the weight of expectation in both the boys and girls competitions, headlining Group A in each category and facing tough opposition from across the continent. In the girls event, Zimbabwe are drawn against Morocco, Zambia and DR Congo, setting up a competitive race for qualification.
Defending champions Ghana have a challenging path in Group B, where they will battle Guinea, Tanzania and Burkina Faso in what promises to be a tightly contested group.
The tournament will run from April 6 to April 10 in Harare, bringing together some of the brightest young football talents on the continent in a fast-paced competition where every match could prove decisive.
The draw ceremony itself added to the excitement, with African football icons Amanda Dlamini and Esrom Nyandoro present as teams discovered their group stage opponents and mapped out their routes to the final.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the competition continues to play a major role in youth development across Africa, combining football with education and community impact.
Prize money remains a key incentive, with winners in both categories set to receive 300,000 US dollars, while runners-up will earn 200,000 US dollars and third-placed teams 150,000 US dollars to support development projects in their schools.
Since its launch in 2022 with backing from the Motsepe Foundation, the tournament has grown into one of the largest school football initiatives in the world, involving millions of young players and tens of thousands of schools across the continent.
With the groups now confirmed and anticipation building, attention turns to Harare where the next generation of African stars will look to make their mark on the continental stage.
Group Stage Draw
Girls Competition
Group A: Zimbabwe (hosts), Morocco, Zambia, DR CongoGroup B: Ghana (holders), Guinea, Tanzania, Burkina Faso
Boys Competition
Group A: Zimbabwe (hosts), Uganda, Morocco, DR CongoGroup B: Tanzania (holders), Zambia, Senegal, Benin
