Ghana’s U-15 girls’ team, known as the Black Damsels, etched their names into history on Saturday, April 26, by winning the 2025 African Schools Football Championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over Uganda at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Belinda Kpentey and Daniella Abass emerged as the stars of the final, each scoring to crown a remarkable tournament journey for the young Ghanaians.
The Black Damsels came into the championship match full of confidence after an unbeaten run in the group stage, securing victories over Morocco, Benin, and Malawi. Their momentum carried into the semifinals, where they edged past defending champions South Africa in a thrilling contest to book their place in the final.
Uganda, meanwhile, impressed on their own path to the final, overcoming Morocco in the semifinals to set up the showdown with Ghana.
The final, however, nearly began disastrously for Ghana. A slip-up by goalkeeper Precious almost gifted Uganda an early goal, but the Ugandan side could not take advantage. Ghana quickly regrouped and gained control of the game, with Daniella Abass and Hajara Adam coming close to breaking the deadlock before halftime, though the first half ended goalless.
After the restart, Ghana’s determination was clear. Belinda Kpentey opened the scoring, finishing off a brilliant solo effort by Christiana Ashiaku, who chased down a loose ball, beat her markers, and set up Kpentey for the opener.
Daniella Abass then doubled Ghana’s lead with a composed run and clinical finish, sealing the Black Damsels’ historic victory.
Despite Uganda’s attempts to find a way back into the game, Ghana’s defence stood strong, ensuring a memorable and emotional win—made even sweeter as it came in the Damsels’ first-ever appearance in the competition.
As champions, Ghana’s U-15 girls’ team will receive a $300,000 cash prize, while Uganda, the runners-up, will be awarded $200,000. Third-place finishers in both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments will each take home $150,000.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s U-15 boys’ team also capped off their tournament on a high note. Under the guidance of coach Kwaku Danso, the boys showed tremendous resilience, rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat Uganda 2-1 in the third-place playoff, clinching the bronze medal at the same venue.
Discussion about this post