Four African teams set sights on World Cup glory
The four African teams that qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will face tough competition in their respective groups.
- Nigeria, the nine-time African champions, have been drawn in Group B with host nation Australia, the Republic of Ireland, and reigning Olympic gold winners Canada.
- South Africa, the reigning African champions, will face 2003 runners-up Sweden in Group G.
- Zambia, the 2022 African bronze medalists, will take on 2011 world champions Japan in Group C.
- Morocco, the first African team to qualify for the World Cup via the playoffs, will face two-time world champions Germany in Group H.
Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana, Shepolopolo, and Atlas Lionesses ready to make their mark
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be led by captain Onome Ebi, who at 40 will be making her sixth appearance at the World Cup. The team also features star forward Asisat Oshoala, who has won the African Women’s Player of the Year award a record five times.
Banyana Banyana of South Africa will be looking to build on their recent success, having won their first African title in 2022. The team will face a tough test against Sweden, Italy, and Argentina in Group G.
Zambia, making their first appearance at the World Cup, will be up against European giants Spain and former world champions Japan in Group C.
Morocco will be looking to make their mark on the world stage in their first appearance at the World Cup. The team will face a tough challenge against Germany, Colombia, and Korean Republic in Group H.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup to be the most competitive tournament yet
The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the first time the tournament has been jointly hosted by two countries. It will also be the first time that 32 teams will compete in the tournament. The opening match will be played on July 20, 2023, and the final will be played on August 20, 2023.
The draw for the tournament was held on October 24, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. The full groups are as follows:
Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland Group B: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan Group D: England, Group B play-off winner, Denmark, China Group E: USA, Vietnam, The Netherlands, Group A play-off winner Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Group C play-off winner Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, Korea Republic
The three playoff winners will be determined in February 2023. The playoffs will feature the third-place finishers from the African, Asian, and Concacaf qualifying tournaments.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive tournament. All four African teams will be looking to make their mark on the world stage.
Read also FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs: Focus on Cameroon and Senegal as history beckons for Africa (olympics.com)
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