For the First Time, Three African Teams Advance to the Women’s World Knockout Stage
For the First Time, Three African Teams Advance to the Women’s World Knockout Stage
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 2023 Women’s World Cup saw African countries make history despite a generally dismal opening. For the first time ever in the competition, three of the four teams that represented the continent advanced to the knockout rounds.
Zambia was eliminated after losing two of their first ties, while Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco all advanced to the round of 16 of the competition.
While none of the African teams were victorious in their opening contests in Australia and New Zealand, they all won their subsequent games in the competition. Three of them qualified for the next round of the football championship with that alone.
Super Falcons Set Pace
The Super Falcons once again set the bar for other African sides in Australia and New Zealand by being the first to represent their continent in the Women’s World Cup knockout round.
They were the first African team to advance this year in the competition. Nigeria won over the co-hosts Australia and gained five points to place second in the group, drawing Canada and Ireland.
In their upcoming game, Coach Randy Waldrum’s girls will take on the Lionesses of England.
Banyana Banyana Dance Into Knockouts
South Africa followed Nigeria in securing its place in the knockout rounds a few days later. In their final Group E match, the Banyana Banyana required a late goal to defeat Italy in order to advance to the round of 16.
The fact that it was the African champs’ first World Cup victory makes it even more historic.
They will now compete against the Group E champion Netherlands on Sunday for a spot in the quarterfinal.
Atlas Lionesses Roar To Life
Following the qualification of South and Nigeria, focus shifted to debutants Morocco.
Despite being defeated 6-0 by Germany in their opening game, the North Africans had enough to alter the course of events.
Before surprising high-flying Colombia 1-0 to etch their names into the nation’s football legend, they defeated South Korea in their second game. Reynald Pedros’ charges placed second on the log as a result of Germany’s draw against the Asians on Thursday.
However, the first Arab team to compete in the Women’s World Cup will hope that their Cinderella run continues against France.
They are currently still reveling in the “explosion of joy” of moving on to the competition, together with other African teams and the army of supporters throughout the continent.
