2023 FIFAWWC: How African Teams Performed At Australia, New Zealand

2023 FIFAWWC: How African Teams Performed At Australia, New Zealand

By Gbenga Gboyega

Morocco Women made it three African teams in the knockout stages, following a 1-0 victory over Columbia at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, to join Nigeria and South Africa, as CAF's presence is sustained on the global stage, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

But how did the three African teams fair through their group games? Leaving out the Copper Queens of Zambia who bowed out of the tournament following two heavy defeats.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria came into the competition as Africa's best team, albeit their group's lowest (B) based on FIFA rankings, but against all odds, secured a draw against the reigning Olympic champions, Canada, beat the co-host team, Australia and shared the spoils with the Irish.

Five points gained with three goals scored, two clean sheets with two goals conceded, Randy Waldrum's side dared to make the difference, beyond their shortcomings and areas of improvements, their defensive strength and tactical solidity remained evident in Group B.

The Bayana Bayana of South Africa started slowly, following short to the eventual group leaders Sweden who are also the third-best team in the World, but stood their ground against Argentina who got knocked out eventually, before gaining maximum points over Italy in a five-goal thriller, all these happened in Group G.

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco flattered to deceive in their opening encounter, letting in six unreplied goals against a German side who will fail to win any of their remaining games, before shocking the world with consecutive 1-0 wins over South Korea and Columbia to clinch six points from three games and Africa's third spot in the Round of 16.

All three African teams finished their group stage as second-best and would be paired against the best from the opposing group, leaving the fans with more anxiety, suspense, and intrigue to savour.

Only Morocco gained two wins, as the Super Falcons remained unbeaten, with the Bayana Bayana balancing things up with six goals scored and conceded simultaneously (0 goal difference), while gaining a win, a draw, and a loss.