CAFS U15: Benin clinches its place in the semi-finals

Stellar feat for Benin’s young talents. The Benin U15 school team has booked its spot in the semi-finals of the African School Football Championship, after a third day rich in emotions. Opposed to Tanzania, the defending champions, the School Leopards fought out a precious draw (1-1), signaling qualification for the final four. A display of character against one of the tournament’s most feared teams.

Led in the second half by a penalty, the young Beninese never gave up. Outplayed on the scoreboard but not in spirit, they kept pushing until the end. Their perseverance finally paid off in the final seconds of the match. In the last action (40+3′), Abel Mevowanou scored the equalizer, a spectacular ending that swung the match’s fate and sealed Benin’s qualification.

With four points and a positive goal difference, Benin finishes second in its group and earns a place among the four best teams in this edition held in Zimbabwe. The Beninese squad’s protégés will meet in the semi-finals the Group A leader next Thursday, with the aim of continuing their remarkable run in the competition.