Men who say, ‘A Woman’s place is only in the Kitchen,’ have been forced to reconsider their myopic perceptions after the regaling start to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. So far, the tournament has produced 91 goals with dribbling, goals and skills that can easily match the men’s game.
The four African teams at the finals have certainly shown potential. The Copper Queens of Zambia gracefully bowed out of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica. Barbra Banda scoring the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history was a trophy in itself for the Southern African debutant’s.
In Group H, the first ever North African team to compete in this tournament still stand a chance of qualifying to the next round despite being thoroughly thrashed in their first match against Germany. The Atlas Lionesses majestically made history in more ways than one after defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a Hijab in their 1-0 win against South Korea. It was her teammate Ibtissam Jraïdi who secured Morocco’s first ever three points in their first ever Woman’s World Cup experience.
After being eliminated at the group stages in 2019, Banyana Banyana could also still progress to the round of 16 if they can be as clinical as Sweden who recently walloped their next opponents, Italy, 5-0. Coach Desiree Ellis will have certainly learnt a few tactical lessons from their previous clash with Argentina. It was the first time ever in South African football history that a 2-0 lead was taken into a halftime break against a South American opponent. Despite failing to kill off the game, the likes of Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana were impressive.
Super Falcons Keep the Flag Flying
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the Round of 16! In the words of elated coach, Randy Waldrum after their final group game: “Many people did not give the Super Falcons a chance of going through from the group without losing a match. I am so proud of them”
What a way to prove his naysayers wrong!
After eight previous appearances, it is the first time that the Super Falcons have avoided defeat in all three of their group stage matches. Asisat Oshoala and her teammates have certainly defied the odds and soar high into the next phase of the tournament where either Denmark or England await. Let’s hope their wings are not clipped anytime soon.