African teams missing as Women’s World Cup quarterfinals begin

FIFA Women World Cup trophy. PIX: FIFA

As usual, the battle for semifinal slots at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin today in Australia and New Zealand, but no African team is in the lineup.

Since the commencement of the Women’s World Cup at China ‘91, no African team has made it to the last four.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria, who were the sole candidate at the inaugural edition in 1991, remains the only African team to play in the quarterfinal stage. But that was as far back as the USA ’99 edition under the late coach Ismaila Mabo.

Nigeria also made it to the round of 16 at the 2019 edition held in France. This year, expectations were heightened, when three of the four African teams made it to the round of 16.

However, the hope of an African team featuring in the quarterfinal stage went up in flames on Tuesday, after France pounded Morocco 4-0 in their Round of 16 encounter.

Before then, the Super Falcons of Nigeria had shown glimpses of brilliance in the three group matches by drawing 0-0 against reigning Olympic champions, Canada, beat co-hosts, Australia 3-2 and drew with Republic of Ireland. But their dream of getting a quarterfinal ticket was quashed by the Three Lionesses of England, who despite a red card to their dangerous striker, Lauren James, won 4-2 on penalties after playing goalless in 120 minutes.

The Banyana Banyana of South Africa fell by the way side in their round of 16 clash with The Netherlands, losing 0-2. The fourth African team, Zambia, had since waved goodbye in the preliminary round despite winning their last group match against China. The Zambians left the World Cup with 14 goals deficits.

The battle for the semifinal slots begins today, and all eyes will be on the European confederation,