By: Belinda Nketia
The 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship, held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium from April 21 – April 26 2025, showcased four Ghanaian players who stood out for their exceptional performances and earned prestigious individual awards that highlighted their skills and contributions to the tournament.
Their achievements during the competition were celebrated by a host of dignitaries, including CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Republic of Ghana H.E John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, alongside notable Black Star Legends and other Africa football legends.
Jennifer Awuku – Player of the Tournament (Girls)
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 2
Notable Achievement: Scored the decisive goal in Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the opening match.
Ghana’s Jennifer Awuku was the heartbeat of the girls’ team throughout the tournament. Operating in the center of midfield, she not only controlled the tempo of play but also provided crucial passes that led to goals.
Awuku played with remarkable maturity, always available to receive the ball, distribute it effectively, and break down opposition attacks. Her two goals in the tournament came at critical moments and established her as one of the brightest prospects in women’s football in Ghana.
Precious Akenguwie.- Goalkeeper of the tournament (Girls)
Position: Goalkeeper
Goals Conceded: 0
Notable Achievement: Maintained a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Precious Akenguwie was a rock in goal for Ghana’s girls’ team, with her reflexes and composure under pressure playing a vital role in keeping her team competitive in every match.
Akenguwie was consistently called into action, and her ability to keep Ghana in the game particularly in the final moments of tight matches was a key factor in the team’s success. Her leadership and presence between the posts earned her the admiration of coaches, players, and fans alike.
John Andor: Joint Top Scorer (Boys)
Position: Forward
Goals: 2
Notable Achievement: Scored Ghana’s first-ever goal in the tournament during the opening match against Uganda.
John Andor, who played as a forward for Ghana’s boys’ team was the name on everybody’s lips. He finished the competition as joint Top Scorer alongside his teammate Ingatus Cyril Acquah Hagan see.
He was a constant threat in the final third, making intelligent runs, finding space in the penalty area, and finishing with confidence. Andor’s tireless work ethic and leadership qualities also shone through, as he often worked back to help his team defensively and created opportunities for others.
He was adjudged best player at the Montilido Promise tournament, a tournament Ghana won eariler in the month before the Africa Schools Championship.
Ingatus Cyril Acquah Hagan – Joint Top Scorer (Boys)
Position: Forward
Goals: 2
Key Moments: A smart finish against Algeria in the last group game.
Just like Andor, Ingatus Cyril Acquah Hagan was a standout player in Ghana’s boys’ team, claiming joint Top Scorer honors with two goals to his name. Acquah Hagan was known for his blistering pace, clever movement off the ball, and clinical finishing and multiple assists.
He played as a forward but was often deployed in wider positions to exploit space on the flanks. His combination of speed and agility made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Acquah Hagan’s ability to score from a variety of situations highlighted his versatility as a forward.
The quartet of Awuku, Akenguwie, Andor, and Acquah Hagan showcases a future full of promise and excitement. These young talents not only excelled individually but also embodied the teamwork, discipline, and determination that have made Ghana one of the most respected footballing nations in Africa.
Their performances at the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship have put them on the map as players to watch, both in Ghana and across the continent.
Others that were awarded include:
GIRLS
Top Scorer: Pulane Moloi (South Africa)
Fair Play Team: Morocco
BOYS
Player of the Tournament: Souleymane Commissaire Faye
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Rajabu Manyelezi (Tanzania)
Fair Play Team: Tanzania
With the continued development of youth football in Africa, we can foresee a new generation of footballers who could soon be leading their national teams to even greater success on the continental and global stage.
