Despite showing flashes of brilliance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the group stage, the last eight of the highest echelon of women’s football will not have an African envoy.
African teams made history at this year’s edition when three out of the four envoys reached the knockout stage. It was the first time ever in the history of the competition.
With all of them now eliminated, it’s back to the drawing board, but not all hope is lost; there are plenty of positives to take.
Bolanews ranks the best-performing African team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
1.) Nigeria
It’s not a surprise that Nigeria has occupied the first slot; the Super Falcons are by far Africa’s most successful international women’s football team. They have an illustrious trophy cabinet, having won a record eleven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles. Their last triumph was against South Africa in 2018.
RELATED ARTICLE: “My butt is fine”- Alozie reacts to Lauren James’ stamp
They delivered a humdinger performance to hold Euro Champions England to a scoreless 0-0 draw in the last 16. The West Africans’ defensive prowess was on display throughout the tournament. They only conceded two goals at the tournament, keeping three clean sheets out of the four games they played. Perhaps their nerves got the best of them during the penalty shootout against the Three Lionesses, but nevertheless, they bowed out of the competition with their heads held high.
2.) South Africa
Following a timid World Cup debut that saw South Africa lose all three games, the Banyana Banyana drew once while winning one to make it into the last 16 and rank second in our rankings. Coach Desire Ellis should be happy with her charges after they recorded their first-ever win in the competition, an improvement from their last campaign. South Africa were lethal in front of goal, scoring at least two goals in their group games. The women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions showed the World why they are the reigning queens of the continent. Unfortunately, their elimination came at the hands of the Netherlands following a 2-0 loss.
3.) Morocco
While only making their first appearance, the North Africans became the second African team After Cameroon to make it to the round of 16 in their debut. The campaign began with a humiliating 6-0 loss at the hands of Germany. The Atlas Lionesses won their next two games 1-0 against the Korea Republic and Colombia, respectively, to progress to a historic last 16. Unfortunately, their fairytale campaign came to a conclusion following a 4-0 loss at the hands of Herve Renard’s France.
4.) Zambia
The Copper Queens rank bottom. There is no doubt that Zambia would have made it out of their group if they played against other opponents. Bruce Mwape’s charges couldn’t quite deal with the intricacy of Japan and Spain, who have since gone on to the last 8. Their campaign will undoubtedly serve as a lesson for a side that is only making its first appearance.
RELATED ARTICLE: Bruce Mwape breaks silence over sexual misconduct accusations
Zambia became the first Southern African team to win a game at the Women’s Africa before Banyana Banyana. The Copper Queens were simply electric in their 3-1 victory against Costa Rica. They could be the team to watch if they qualify for the next edition.
