Benin U15 side school team will have one final opportunity to secure a podium finish at the CAF African Schools Football Championship after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
The young Guépardeaux were eliminated in the semi-finals following a tense penalty shootout defeat to Uganda, with the East Africans progressing 4-3 after a closely contested encounter.
Despite the disappointment, Benin’s performance drew praise, with the team showing resilience and quality throughout the match.
Their display now sets up a third-place playoff against Morocco, scheduled for Friday at 10:30 GMT.
The winner will claim the bronze medal as well as a financial reward of $150,000 to support development projects.
Benin’s run to the semi-finals has been marked by disciplined defending and energetic attacking play.
One of the standout performers has been Osias Assigbé, whose influence on the flank has been key to the team’s progress in the competition.
Throughout the semi-final, the West African side demonstrated composure and tactical organisation, limiting Uganda’s chances while creating opportunities of their own.
However, neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation time, forcing the match into penalties where Benin ultimately fell short.
The defeat means Benin must quickly regroup as they prepare for their final fixture of the tournament.
A victory over Morocco would not only secure third place but also underline the progress made by the team on the continental stage.
Elsewhere in the competition, the finals promise exciting matchups across both categories.
In the girls’ competition, defending champions Ghana will face Burkina Faso in what is expected to be a fiercely contested West African derby.
In the boys’ final, Uganda will look to build on their semi-final success when they take on Senegal, one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship continues to grow in importance, offering young players from across the continent a valuable platform to showcase their talent.
Beyond the competition itself, the financial rewards attached to each position highlight its developmental impact.
Winners in both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments will receive $300,000, while runners-up are awarded $200,000.
The third-place teams, including the winner of Benin’s upcoming match, will take home $150,000.
These funds are intended to support school football programmes and infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the tournament and contribute to long-term growth.
For Benin, the focus now shifts to finishing strongly.
After a campaign that has already demonstrated promise and potential, securing bronze would be a fitting reward for a team that has impressed with both its spirit and quality.
