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But here’s where it gets controversial: should youth international tournaments focus more on exposure or competitive rigor? This rewrite keeps both ideas intact while offering fresh phrasing and structure.
How to watch the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) Zimbabwe 2025
Published: Sunday, 07 December 2025
Overview
The CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) is set to take place at Ngoni Stadium in Norton, near Harare, Zimbabwe, from December 8 to December 18. Every match will be streamed to a global audience, enabling fans worldwide to follow the action live.
Viewing options
Supporters can watch all games live on CAF TV via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5K057x3mHroPHsNk9OiwA. Eight teams will compete for the title, with the event representing a pivotal platform for young players to gain international visibility in the Southern African region.
Origins and scope
The tournament debuted in Dar es Salaam in January 2025, where JKT Queens from Tanzania won the CECAFA regional title. This edition shifts focus to COSAFA member nations, featuring several well-known clubs.
Group composition
Group A includes the Zimbabwean host Mpopoma Sports Academy, Namibian Otjiwarongo Sports Academy, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and Malawi’s Luwinga Academy.
Group B includes Zambia’s Aguila Girls, Namibian Okakarara Golden Ladies, South Africa’s Refilwe FC, and Lesotho’s Lishoeshoe.
Advancement and finals
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, culminating in the final at Ngoni Stadium on Thursday, December 18.
Development goals
CAF has made women’s football development a central pillar of its broader agenda. This tournament offers young players crucial opportunities to showcase talent, gain experience, and attract international attention.
Fixtures and schedule (Central Africa Time, CAT, GMT+2)
GROUP A
- 08 Dec, 12:00: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Luwinga Academy
- 08 Dec, 15:00: Mpopoma Sports Academy vs Otjiwarongo Sports Academy
- 11 Dec, 12:00: Otjiwarongo Sports Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- 11 Dec, 15:00: Mpopoma Sports Academy vs Luwinga Academy
- 14 Dec, 12:00: Luwinga Academy vs Otjiwarongo Sports Academy
- 14 Dec, 15:00: Mpopoma Sports Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
GROUP B
- 09 Dec, 12:00: Refilwe FC vs Lishoeshoe
- 09 Dec, 15:00: Aguila Stars Women FC vs Okakarara Golden Ladies
- 12 Dec, 12:00: Okakarara Golden Ladies vs Refilwe FC
- 12 Dec, 15:00: Aguila Stars Women FC vs Lishoeshoe
- 15 Dec, 12:00: Lishoeshoe vs Okakarara Golden Ladies
- 15 Dec, 15:00: Aguila Stars Women FC vs Refilwe FC
Classification and final matches
- 17 Dec, 12:00: 4th in Group A vs 4th in Group B (7th/8th place playoff)
- 17 Dec, 15:00: 3rd in Group A vs 3rd in Group B (5th/6th place playoff)
- 18 Dec, 11:00: 2nd in Group A vs 2nd in Group B (3rd/4th place playoff)
- 18 Dec, 14:00: 1st in Group A vs 1st in Group B (Final)
To engage readers: do you think youth tournaments like GIFT strike the right balance between exposure and competitive development? Share your thoughts in the comments.
