Discover the remarkable feat of the Super Falcons as they earned a crucial point against Canada in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, standing as the only African team to do so.
While Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia faced challenging opening matches and suffered defeats, Nigeria's Super Falcons showcased their resilience, leaving fans intrigued by the African representation in the prestigious tournament.
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup brought together the finest talents from around the globe, with four African teams proudly representing the continent.
Among them, the indomitable Super Falcons stood out, securing a hard-fought draw against the formidable Canadian team.
However, the journey began with mixed fortunes as the other three African representatives Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia faced opening game defeats.
African teams at Women's World Cup – Matchday 1
Super Falcons gain a point vs Canada
In a valiant display of determination, the Super Falcons of Nigeria began their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign by facing off against Canada in a closely contested match.
The match ended goalless, but it wasn't without its dramatic moments. Canada had a chance to take the lead through a penalty awarded after a VAR review, but Super Falcons' goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, delivered a stunning save, denying Christine Sinclair's effort.
This crucial save secured a hard-earned point for the Super Falcons, marking a promising start to their World Cup journey.
π¨Here's our heroine of the day!
πOur stand-in captain Chiamaka Nnadozie deservedly won the Player of the Match for her heroics saves in the 0-0 draw of our opening match against Canada π¨π¦
Congrats, @Nadoziechiamaka ππ₯πͺ
Show her some love β€οΈπ#NGA| #NGRCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Uqdv1wEKIE
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 21, 2023
Copper Queens humbled by Japan
In their historic FIFA Women's World Cup debut, the Copper Queens of Zambia faced a challenging test against former World Champions Japan. Unfortunately, the match did not go as planned for the African team, as they suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat.
The Japanese side showcased their experience and clinical finishing, overpowering the debutants. To compound their woes, the Copper Queens finished the game with ten players after Catherine Musonda was shown a red card just before the final whistle.
Banyana Banyana show promise against mighty Sweden
In a highly anticipated World Cup opener, Banyana Banyana of South Africa took on Sweden at the Westpac Stadium. The South Africans made a promising start, opening the scoring and igniting hopes of a strong performance. However, their joy was short-lived as Sweden fought back fiercely. Despite their valiant efforts, Banyana Banyana couldn't maintain their lead for the full 90 minutes, eventually falling short to the Swedish team. Despite the disappointment, South Africa's spirited display showed their determination to compete at the highest level of women's football.
Morocco with a shocking display against Germany
In their inaugural appearance at the Women's World Cup, Morocco faced a tough challenge against a formidable German side led by star player Alexandria Popp. The match proved to be a one-sided affair as Germany displayed their dominance, securing an impressive 6-0 victory.
Despite their best efforts, Morocco struggled to contain the German attacking prowess. The resounding win showcased Germany's strength and experience on the international stage, while Morocco gained valuable experience that will undoubtedly contribute to their growth in women's football.
What's next for African teams at the Women's World Cup
The upcoming fixtures for African teams at the Women's World Cup promise exciting matchups.
- On Thursday, 27 July, Nigeria face Australia Women, seeking to build on their strong start.
- South Africa meet Argentina Women on Friday, 28 July, aiming for a comeback.
- On Sunday, 30th July, Morocco Women takes on South Korea Women, looking to make an impact.
- Lastly, on Monday, 31 July, Zambia Women clash with Costa Rica Women, determined to secure their first win in the tournament.
Fans can anticipate intense battles as African teams continue their journey in the competition.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago