Cameroun made a thrilling comeback to defeat Uganda 3-0 in extra time to set up a third round tie against Nigeria next February.
Nigeria’s stars shone as they dismantled Ethiopia 4-0 in the second leg for a 5-1 aggregate victory, Uchenna Kanu, Rasheedat Ajibade brace and Asisat Oshoala on the scoresheet
Tanzania eased through a Aisha Masaka Goal in the 25th minute enough to earn a 1-0 victory and a 3-0 aggregate win
Ghana added two second half goals as a spirited Benin held out to the 65th minute Evelyn Badu provided the breakthrough with a own goal 10 minutes later sealing the Black Queens 5-0 aggregate win
Morocco eased through courtesy of two late goals a beautiful ball from Ghizlane Chebbak put in Imane Saoud to end Namibia’s resistence. Chebbak added a late penalty to Round off a 2-0 win on the day and a 4-0 aggregate victory to set up a contest against Tunisia in the third qualifying round.
Yesterday Thembi Kgatlana scored a brace as South Africa overcame RD Congo’s resistance. A dominanting second half performance from Banyana Banyana saw them win 2-0 on the day and 3-1 on aggregate.
Third Round draw with the ties to be played next February. One from each half will qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics.
Top Half Ghana v Zambia Tunisia v Morocco
Bottom Half Cameroun v Nigeria Tanzania v South Africa
Spain are on the verge of advancing to the final 4 demolishing Switzerland 7-1. Linda Sembrandt last gasp header give Sweden a draw against Italy a result that all but ends their hopes of featuring in Paris 2024.
Belgium defeated England in a 5 goal thriller Tessa Wullaert with a 85th Minute penalty being the match winner.
Esmee Brugts Goal give Netherlands victory over Scotland at Hampden Park. The result means if Netherlands avoid defeat at Wembley they will battle out the group winner with Belgium should Belgium overcome Scotland. England must defeat Netherlands at Wembley to stay in contention in the last group match.
Germany keep hopes alive with a 2-0 victory in Iceland, Klara Bühl sealing the victory in stoppage time, as Denmark overcome a gallant Wales performance to win 2-1 and remain undefeated on 12pts.
Austria earned a 2-1 win in Portugal as France and Norway play out a goalless draw. France remain top of A4 on 10pts three points ahead of Austria
Ireland win Group B1 in a delayed match due to heavy rain a late Denise O’Sullivan Goal give the visitors victory in Albania. Finland close in on winning their group with a well earned victory in Croatia 2-0. Ukraine came out on top in Greece Daria Apanashchenko goal in the 32nd mínute give them three well earned points Hungary foiled Northern Ireland as the two played out a 1-1 draw. Poland remain in charge of B2 a excellent 1-1 draw in Serbia leaves them favourites to win the group.
Azerbaijan gained control of C3 a excellent second half performance producing 3 goals as they dominated Montenegro. Cyprus move into second spot 3pts behind Azerbaijan with a excellent 1-0 away victory at Faroe Islands
A Haley Bugeja hattrick saw Malta to a 3-0 win in Andorra and move 5 PTS clear of Latvia who played out a 6 goal thriller in Moldova with two stoppage time goals to gain a 3-3 draw
Turkey won Group C3 a 13th minute winner from Sadikoğlu enough to defeat Luxembourg 1-0
Estonia dominated Armenia with a convincing 5-1 win over Armenia to top C4.
Kosovo moved to the top of C5 as they defeated North Macedonia 3-1.
The second of four qualifying rounds has produced some exciting , thrilling matches besides some expected dominating performances and as we come to the weekend 7 matches remain to confirm the full list of the teams to enter the third round.
Morocco dominated the first leg against Burkina Faso 4-0 with a spectacular goal from Sofia Boussate being the highlight. The second leg was a low key affair ending in a 1-1 stalemate to complete a 5-1 aggregate win.
Guinea cruised to a 4-0 first leg win in Niamey with the return leg on October 15th
Mali overcame Algeria on away goals in a thrilling two legged affair which Algeria hosted both games. Mali took the opening encounter with a Djamako Traore goal midway through the second half. The second leg was a thrilling encounter which saw Algeria have two goals dissallowed in the opening 15 minutes. Algeria took the lead shortly after the interval when Amelia Zemma scored directly from a corner the ball taking a faint deflection off Mali defender Mariam Simpara has it entered the net. Lina Berkhous inadvertantly put a attempted clearance from a through ball into her own net on 61 minutes which restored Mali’s advantage. beffore Leila El Hadj powerful close range header in the 86th minute give the host late hope. However Mali held out for the final few minutes to gain a excellent victory on away goals with the aggregate score ending 2-2.
Ethiopia came away from Equatorial Guinea having earned a 1-1 draw in a entertaining encounter . The talented Emush Daniel gave the visitors a early lead on 9 minutes . The host fought their way back into the game Julia Raquel Bopopo equalised in the 58th minute . A evenly fought contest produced no further scoring as they will fight out for a third round spot on October 15 in Addis Ababa .
Senegal defeated Benin 2-0 with two goals in a blisteriing opening 9 minutes from Khadija Badio and Adji Ndiaye. Benin settled and frustrated Senegal to ensure they returned home for the second leg on October 15 without further damage.
Uganda cruised to a 6-0 first leg victory in Mozambique with braces from Agnes Nabukenya and Hadijah Nandengo paving the way to a dominant victory. Phionah Nabulime and another Agnes Nabukenya goal in the return match lead Uganda to complete a 8-0 aggregate victory.
Ghana earned a hard fought first leg victory with Success Ameyaa opening the scoring on the stroke of half time. Ghanas Malta Guiness Womens Premier League Player of the year and top scorer Mary Amponsah doubled the lead before Mercy Attobra completed the scoring on 77 minutes for a 3-0 win. Ghana host the second leg October 14.
Congo hosted both legs with Namibia in Niamey, taking advantage of home field they defeated the guest 2-1 in the first leg before easing to a 3-0 second leg win to advance 5-1 on aggregate and set up a tie with Egypt.
Egypt dominated both ties against Sao Tome to gain a 18-0 aggregate win. Having taken the first leg 7-0 it was a slow first half before two goals on the stroke of half time Hala Maustafa’s second of the game a very well executed finish and a strike from Camelia Shehata saw the host go in at the half 3-0. The second half saw a further 8 goals as a brace from Habiba Tariq and another nicely taken goal by Maustafa to complete her hattrick highlighted the second half en router to a11-0 victory .
Cameroun took a hard fought first leg 2-0 win against Botswana in a game they mostly dominated possession. Goals from Annie Enganembem 9 and Louise Wehiong 74 edged a brave display from a Botswana squad that had recently encountered heavy defeats in friendlies against Morocco. Botswana host the second leg on October 14.
Backed by a vocal home crowd Kenya produced a excellent performance lead by Valerie Nekesa who powered home a hattrick in the opening 23 minutes to lead the host to a 6-1 win over Angola. Charity Madewa added a brace in the second half with Faith Mushiiingani completing the rout. Ivonne Candido scored Angolas consolation goal. Angola host the return match on October 14.
Zambia and RD Congo fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw to set up a exciting second leg on October 14 in Kinshasa. Lydia Shamalima had opened the scoring on 4 minutes for the host before Ruth Nyamboki drew the game level on 17 minutes. Mary Mbewe restored the advantage on 58 minutes only for Gloria Nosa to finish a excellent move on 67 minutes to earn the visitors a well earned draw.
Burundi stunned South Africa to advance to the third round on away goals. After a goalless first leg tie Chanceline Akimana silenced the home crowd in the 12th minute. Andrielle Mibe levelled matters up on 30 minutes as the host battled there way back into the game. Despite fine play and creating half chances South Africa could not break down a battling Burindi outfit, who stunned the host with a excellent move which Annociate Nshimirima drove the ball home sparkling jubilance in the visitors players and technical bench on 68 minutes. However Lindelwa Mabuza immediate;y equalised on 72 minutes setting up a hectic tense last 20 minutes of which Burundi held firm and ended South Africa’s 2024 Fifa Womens World Cup hopes prematurely. and deservedly so with two outstanding displays on South Africa soil.
As with Egypt , Tanzania took full advantage of hosting both games to destruct Djibouti 12-0 on aggregate. Jamila Rajabu scored a brace paving the way to a 5-0 first leg victory. Starlet Winifrida Gerald double highlighted a 7-0 second leg victory with Jamila once again adding two goals to the scoresheet as Tanzania set up a intriguing third round encounter against Nigeria in November. Nigeria having received a bye after Mauritius withdrew.
Currently the third round draw as it stands after the games on October 13
FAWSL returned with a record attendance of 54 115 witnessing Liverpool upset Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium courtesy of a Miri Taylor Goal early in the second half . Manchester United earned a dramatic 2-1 win At Aston Villa as Rachel Williams headed home a stoppage time winner . Rachel Daly had opened the scoring for Aston Villa on 76 minutes for Lucia Garcia to equalise three minutes later . Mia Fishel opened her account for Chelsea heading home on 28 minutes . Lauren James doubled the lead on 51 minutes before Martha Thomas reduced the defecit . Chelsea held out as the reigning champions opened the season with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham . Elsewhere Leicester , Brighton and Manchester City earned away wins to open the campaign
Around Europe Lyon took the win at PSG in the clash of the weekend , Eugénie Le Sommer firing home the winner from a very well executed set peice Damaris Egurrola heading back a cross for Le Sommer to hit a unstoppable shot . Paris FC took the derby spoils defeating Fleury 3-1 , Dijon and Lille fought out a 6 goal thriller in a 3-3 draw .
Hammarby and BK Häcken remain tied at the top of the table in Sweden on 49pts . Hammarby enjoyed a 2-0 win over Uppsala Matilda Vinberg and Vilde Hasund providing the goals . Ellen Rubensson struck in the 39th minute to give Häcken a 1-0 win at Norrköping. The battle for third place saw both Linköpings and Piteå stumble to away defeats.
Wolfsburg defeated Eintracht 4-2 in the big clash in Germany Maria-Joelle Wedermeyer 73rd Minute goal followed by Ewa Pajor in the 84th Minute sealed the win . Antonia-Jóhanna Halverkamps screamer in stoppage time earned Duisburg a 2-2 draw with Freiburg . Bayern defeated Köln 2-0 as Pernille Harder opened her account for the club, Linda Dallmann secured the points in the 57th minute .
Barcelona and Real Madrid both won away from home with 2-1 wins at Huelva and UDG Tenerife respectively . Rachel Kundananji scored her second hattrick of the week as Madrid CFF beat Sevilla 5-1. The Zambian star scored three in Zambia’s 6-2 win over Morocco in the international break .
Nordsjælland hit the top in the Gjensidige Kvindeliga with a impressive 3-0 win over Brøndby . Champions HB Køge won 4-2 at AGF to move onto 10pts a point behind with a game in hand.
In Africa Wadi Degla won the Egypt Women’s Super Cup defeating Tutanchamun 2-1 . Marwa Tawfik 39 and Noha Mamdouh 53 scored the vital goals .Hala Maustafa 59th minute goal was in vain .ASFAR cruised to a 6-0 win over CRAH in Morocco’s women’s Cup du Trône Semi Finals . In the final on October 3rd they will play USSB who defeated ARAFF 11-10 in a dramatic penalty shoot out . Green Buffaloes opened their league campaign with a 2-0 win over Luyando Foundation . Red Arrows earned a dramatic 2-1 win over Elite Ladies a stoppage time deflected own goal earning the points . Mamelodi Sundowns were held 2-2 by Royal AM as leaders UWC won 3-0 to open up a 12 points advantage at the top of the table. However Mamelodi still have three games in hand and the two clash on the weekend of October 20th.
Europe’s greatest women’s club football tournament commences tomorrow with the First Qualifying Round .
Once again the procedure of mini tournaments takes place . Each mini tournament has a semi final and final. The two Semi Final winners meet for a place in the second qualifying Round . Though the losing Semi Finalist play for a mini tournament third place this is souly for future ranking points and are already eliminated from the 2023-2024 competition .
Organised by Ouattara Lakoun Marcel, the initiator of the Mousso Foot a friend and dedicated promotor of Women’s football development in Côte D’ivoire
Prior to the the tournament he stated Côte d’Ivoire is full of talent in terms of women’s football. It is therefore for us to go and find them and at the same time give them the opportunity to assert themselves, we want to promote the excellence, talents and activities , We want to promote the excellence, talents and activities of young people. And above all to encourage our young girls to combine studies and leisure ,
The winner of the tournament will pocket the sum of 2 million CFA Francs and a great trophy .
The tournament commenced on Wednesday with the opening ceremony and Super Júnior defeating Stars d’ Abidjan 1-0 in a enjoyable occasion for many in a vibrant fun atmosphere with celebraties and friend the great Kana Giscard a agent with excellent players who enjoyed a great day at the opening of the event .
Kana Giscard enjoying the afternoon events at Mousso Foot opening day.📸 Miami productions 📸 Miami productions
The bottom half of the draw sees many potential winners ready to duel and eliminate each other before the final. Host Australia , Euro Champions England , runners up Germany , Conmebol champion Brasil , a talented France head the list . A potential second round clash between Germany v France or Brasil looms in a rough part of the draw . Certainly we see many exciting contest ahead all have to be wary in the group stage and be ready to deliver . Let’s not forget Olympic Champions Canada also in this section very capable of restricting opposition with a high class defence .
Group B
Australia the host buoyant and high expectations following a recent run of excellent form who will be backed by huge attendances to thrive on. They will of course be lead by Sam Kerr who no one doubts her greatness as a goal poacher and finisher . As the tournament goes deep though she will need to show her club form also delivering assists and her defence . Australia has plenty of potential scorers in Caitlin Foord , Mary Fowler , there will be no need as in the Olympics to lay the ball of and charge to the box to be the scorer . They have added speed to the defence and not been left so exposed and certainly have the potential to be a threat to all in front of them . Kiyah Simon , Hayley Raso , Kyra Crooney-Cross who is in exceptional Form in the Damallsvenskan are many of attacking threats. A strong midfield of battlers , and in Catley and Carpenter capable of doing damage down the flanks are the host peaking finally when it matters . Being at home as its pressure to but the potential is there to go very deep into the tournament .
Ireland a fierce battling side lead by Katie McCabe will be no pushover and proven there potential to disrupt and frustrate much higher ranked teams . In Louise Quinn , Diana Caldwell , Denise O’Sullivan highly talented players among the squad, however they maybe limited in attack at the very highest level but capable of making a moment that counts springing forward on attack . All teams face a difficult time against them
Nigeria a team with individual talents who are obviously lead by Asisat Oshoala , but the concern of her managing to make through the tournament injury free is a concern to many in Nigeria and also to produce her club scoring form. Many other talents include Rasheedat Ajibade a great club season in Spain , experience of Desire Oparanozie who currently is in excellent form in China . Young and very talented Gift Monday is also capable of posing opposition defences awkward moments along with Jennifer Echegini who had a very good season at FSU. In defence young Starlets Rofiat Imuran and Blessing Demehin who had good first years in France with Reims join veteran Onome Ebi . Christie Ucheibe who had her best season in SL Benfica can play a pivotal role in midfield disrupting forward play and get in the box to be a goal threat . Despite recent off field issues the Super Falcons are ready to come together and give everything in a very tight and difficult group .
Canada the Olympic Champions a strong defence with outstanding players Ashley Lawrence , Kadeisha Buchanan two of the world’s best among a squad littered with many fine players . All will be wary of their potential attacking on the break with powerful front runners and Goal poachers such as Jordyn Huitema , creativity of Cloe Lacasse , Olivia Smith , Jessie Fleming and the prospect of veteran Christine Sinclair adding to her enormous Goal tally . No one will look kindly at the prospect of facing a very well coached team that plays to it’s strengh very well.
Group D
England enter the tournament as the reigning Uefa Champions the emotions of a year ago still embedded but the task is different with key players from the squad of that succes missing . The squad is certainly loaded with many great talents and Semi Finalist in 2015 2019. In a group where they are favourites to advance they will be wary of Denmark as to which position they actually finish . The defence has questions of actual fitness of Millie Bright alot may fall on Lotte Wubben-Moy to be the defensive General with Alex Greenwood . A very talented midfield Georgia Stanway possesses a powerful shot weapon to snatch vital goals Keira Walsh Lauren James to open defences . Can Lauren Hemp show her form of a year ago a key in attack that enters without a goal since against Brasil in the Finalíssima in three consequent matches . However it should not be to worrying Rachel Daley Chloe Kelly ,Alessia Russo and others are all capable of stepping up at big moments. While they are capable of going far they will have to dig deep a potential second round against Australia or Canada with the likes of Germany Brasil France Awaiting in the bottom section it will take a huge effort .
Haiti no introductions needed to star player Melchie Dumornay who will lead her team like she has the last five years as the leading talent. Along with Roselord Borgella , Kethna Louis , Batcheba Luis, Nerilia Mondesir the team has grown together for the last few years . Haiti do have problems with defence it is very difficult to see them not conceding however great the forward potential is it will take almighty efforts to produce Results necessary to advance against very strong opponents
Denmark can they be the dark horse of the section certainly a squad of many talents from Simone Boye, Katrine Veje ,Sanne Troelsgaard , Amalie Vangsgaard who boast a good distance shot to Pernille Harder and the goal poaching of Signe Bruun . The squad is littered with battling players who also play very entertaining football and a tight knitted squad who are always encouraging each other . If they can keep there defence tight they can prove to be a pitfall for others . Like Sweden they to are dangerous on set peices teams will be wary .
China the reigning Asian champion who won a thrilling Final against South Korea 3-2 having been behind 0-2 . Much improved from the Olympics when it seemed to have a revamped squad for the future but enter the tournament with defence issues with minor injuries certainly using Wang Shanshan in their last training match there underlines potential problem . Always will try to line up very well organised and play with fine technique with excellent individual talents Mengyu Shen, Rui Zhang, Shuang Wang, Chengshu Wu there is attacking threats to be wary of. It will be a difficult group for them but they are ready to take on the challenge and make life difficult for the opposition .
Group F
France lead by new coach Hervé Renard has a difficult task with so many leading star players missing the tournament with various injuries. But they are blessed with alot of depth and talent up come new stars Maëlle Lakrar , Naomie Feller the squad is still loader with many exceptional players who are capable of beating most teams . However to win the tournament you have to beat all and certainly a huge absence is the speed of Mbock in defence and striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto . As they can potentially face Germany in the second round it will take a huge effort and maybe tactical changes Grace Geyoro can play a pivotal role shoring up the defence as well as capable of sneaking a goal In tight games . Goals in the group where they face Brasil will be crucial to how far they go on in the tournament .
Brasil will bring vibrant attacking football a great fan base to the tournament exciting talents Ary Borges , Kerolin , Geyse a farewell for Marta though Brasil is probably more excited for the next gen Starlet Giovana Waksman , juju gol , Lara Dantas and many more ,than Marta World Cup farewell. The hopes are high with the potential to string together a run of Results to lift the world cup . A surprise in defence the recall of veteran Monica who can bring experience , Certainly the pace of Rafaelle who needs to stay healthy through the tournament which has a question mark are issues that will be pivotal , also not being wasteful in front of Goal certainly we will see exciting runs from the above mentioned players but in the big moment along with Debinha will it take the chance . They are all capable of scoring as we see in the various leagues but also can be wasteful and dips of form. Whatever the outcome it will as usual be a delight to watch .
Jamaica lead by the great talent Bunny Shaw with exciting talents such as Jody Brown , Tiffany Cameron , Drew Spence to name a few of individual players who will enter the tournament in a close knit high spirits group despite the situation off the pitch . The lack of playing in the last year since qualification makes it hard to judge if they have overcome defensive naivitys as a group , certainly they are fine individuals in respective clubs but the last we can go off is the Concacaf Women’s Championship when they conceded 5 to USA and 3 to Canada , suggest keeping clean sheets against two high power teams will be difficult . This does not take away the excitement of the attacking and battling midfielders such as Havana Solaun and will be excitement to the stadium and Fans watching at home on TV
Panama the underdog of the group with exciting talents such as Marta Cox , Karla Riley , Lineth Cedeno , Natália Mills and the impressive Yenith Bailey in Goal a great shot stopper but still has difficulty in set peices and controlling her box a part of her game that will grow in time . Again like Jamaica being in a very difficult group defence frailties will likely be a downfall but not for the short of effort as the world learns of new players where quite a few are based at home in a league very difficult to watch .
Group H
Germany among the favourites despite two uninspiring send off matches a squad loaded with great talent determination with many players capable of changing games . Lead by Alexandra Popp one of the world’s best in the last year form wise ,and also throughout her career is a inspiration who gets stuck in and scores crucial goals loving the big game moments. Exciting youngsters Jules Brand , Klara Buhl, Nicole Anyomi experience of Lea Schüller and Svenja Huth , Laura Freigang we know a depth of high talent . Lena Oberdorf shoring up the midfield Sara Dabritz the squad ís very capable of going far. A issue deep in the tournament being caught on the break can be a downfall , issues in defence in preparation matches being caught dozing really should not be issues in a major tournament. They definately are serious contenders .
Morocco , Reynald Pedros has peaced together a very talented squad mostly from champions ASFAR and a cast of elegible players from outwith made from excellent scouting mainly from the period since Pedros took over in 2020 bringing a wealth of knowledge which can be said part of a excellent investments in the football in the country over the past few years . The defence well coached usually stays pretty deep not to overcome it’s lack of pace to be caught on breaks often , youngster Nesryne El Chad has been one of the rocks in defence in a successful period , Sabbah Seghir Hanane Ait El Haj Zineb Redouani amongst a defence which has been consistent in selection during the preparation . More players had been tried in midfield and forward before the final selection lead by experienced Ghizlane Chebbak the leading scorer in Moroccos D1 Feminine despite missing the opening part of the season . Exciting attacking talents include Fatima Tagnaout , the well known Rosella Ayane and Sakina Ouzraoui amongst others , Sofía Bouftini who was exciting talent in Morocco base squads is capable of creativity however a issue in open play scoring at this level maybe a problem . Certainly they are dangerous at set peices as seen in the WAFCON 2022
Colombia lead by Catalina Usme a great talent and threat on set peices with a exceptional shot from distance teams will be wary where they are giving away free kicks. A team with many talents obviously the now popular Linda Caicedo who played many fine games for America de Cali at age 14 in 2019 and obviously then was already a star to watch . Mayra Ramírez a physical forward will cause defences many issues and maybe sore ankles to . A aspect of Colombia’s game maybe there downfall with modern day rules they will have to keep very disciplined with less niggling which despite being a team with excellent individuals is part of their style and can be very disruptive to the opposition . Natália Giraldo a exceptional keeper behind a defence with good quality Daníela Arias , Manuela Vanegas , a battling midfield Daniela Montoya and young Maria Camila Reyes who boast a exceptional distance shot also can be dangerous .
South Korea a well organised side playing neat technical football with exciting talents such as Geummin Lee , Eunsun Park Ji Soyun , Mi-ra Moon . They will try to play very close defence man marking system very capable of causing frustration to opposition but they are in a group of physical strong teams and despite suspect to conceding goals it is a group where maybe goal difference could be crucial certainly have a chance of progressing .
As the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup gets underway , with 32 teams ready to battle out what is a open tournament with no clear favourite . USA are obvious bookies favourites the back to back champion remain number 1 in the World ranking however they will face challenging obstacles notably possible encounters against a tough Sweden side capable of frustrating and a highly talented Spain despite off field issues remain very strong and capable of upsetting the top dog and gain revenge for a controversial loss in the 2019 tournament in France . Should USA advance through the top half W Euro 2023 champions England , runners up Germany host Australia , France , Brasil , olympic Champions Canada all pose a threat to a three-peat.
Group A
Host New Zealand face a challenging group as they look to earn it’s first ever Fifa Women’s World Cup tournament match win. With the home crowd behind them adrenellin pumping can it be enough for a team limited and prone to conceding goals. Of course they have some very talented players Ali Riley , Olivia Chance , CJ Bott , Ria Percival , Hannah Wilkinson through to youngster Milly Clegg . The host open against Norway July 20.
Norway a team loaded with individual talents that have not found a way to gel as yet in major tournaments. Maybe a issue is while Caroline Graham Hansen pace and skills will be a major threat , is the lack of pace in the rest to stretch opposition defences as the tournament goes on. There is no doubting the individual skills of Hegerberg , Reiten , Maanum , etc, but needs a plan to stop Ada being isolated and coming back to deep . Also under question defensive issues remain should they progress possibility of facing Spain or Japan will severly test the progress since a disssapointing Euros.
Switzerland a team that goes with nothing to lose and give it’s all . A year of mixed performances like New Zealand have many individual talents with experience such as Ramona Bachmann , Ana Maria Crnogorcevic , also Coumba Sow has shown plenty of ability to score . A team certainly capable of picking points in this group but also suspect to lack of awareness in defence and leak avoidable goals.
Philippines lead by coach Alen Stajcic who has moulded together a team that will play with alot of spirit and guts. A run of intriguing performances in the last year in preparation matches Shows they are capable of frustrating teams and in the likes of Sarina Bolden , Chandler McDaniel , Anicka Castañeda capable of scoring goals . Again with other teams in the group is the question of defence, at this high level will be another new experience , they will certainly be set up well and be a joy for fans to watch .
Group C
Spain one of the favourites despite off field issues in the past year have built together a squad that shows capabilities , having defeated USA among others in the preparation match year a highly skilled , technical team with many talents we all know . Added with the extreme pace through Salma Paralluelo will be a very dangerous outfit with Ballon D’or winner Alexia back from injury Aitana Bonmatí pulling the strings very talented Eva Navarro among others, will the success in the past few years in the base categorys finally bare fruit .
Japan a great history in women’s football again will be a delight to watch like Spain a beautiful technical game. They will certainly be difficult to beat always set up very well defence lead by experienced Saki Kumagai , talents in midfield and attack such as Moeka Minami , Jun Endo and highly rated youngster Maika Hamano who is producing excellent performances at Hammarby this season being there on loan from Chelsea . Along with Spain will be favourites to progress .
Zambia at their first world cup are obviously lead by a high class forward trio of Rachael Kundananji , Barbra Banda , Grace Chanda added with Xiomara Mapepa who was the leading scorer in the Zambia Women’s Super League . Experienced Susan Banda returns after missing wafcon 2022 in midfield with the likes of Irene Lungu available who is having a excellent season with BIIK in Kazakhstan . A defense of experience and youth as talented Youngsters Esther Banda 18 and Judith Soko 19 earned squad places having excellent seasons in Zambia WSL with their respective clubs . How Zambia fare is dependent on how it’s defence holds out to go with it’s forward line of blistering pace and midfield capabilities of mixing defence with attack . As in the Olympics they will certainly have watching fans on the edge of the seats and more foreign clubs seeking more players after the tournament .
Costa Rica squad has surprised many it appears a squad to look to the future while gaining valuable tournament experience particularly in the forward line. A highly talented coach Amelie Valverde will certainly have her troops set up well and looking to frustrate opposition . Fabiana Villalobos , Maria Paula Coto , part of a experienced defence . In midfield to quality players Melissa Herrera, Priscilla Chinchilla , Rocky Rodriguez will be key to providing opportunities to talented youngster Maria Paula Salas .
Group E
USA winners of the last two editions enter the tournament again as favourite and with no disrespect to the group opposition are favourites to advance to the knock out phase . However despite the experience left from the 2019 victory injury issues surround pivotal players Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe the question can they stay fit and last a tournament remains. Hopes are pinned on highly talented youth Alyssa Thompson whose passing ability and range of shot can pose problems to the opposition , however sometimes drifts out of games but certainly capable of providing the moment , Trinity Rodman speed scoring and assist capability , Sophia Smith who is in great club form a very great talent from USWNT under achieving base is capable of being one of the tournament stars and to produce in attack with Alex Morgan who enters not in the club form of last year however still a valuable member with her play of assisting defence along with the capability of scoring . Naomie Girma very impressive in the last year or two will be the pivotal defender which has suspects certainly against very equal high class opposition .
Netherlands runners up in 2019 enter the tournament with elements of surprises in selection . Certainly loaded with individual talents , and despite a difficult club season highly regarded youngster and talented Esmee Brugts got the pick over Eredivisie Vrouwen leading scorer Fenna Kalma . The form of Spitse , Roord , Beerensteyn, Pelova will be crucial to Netherlands chances were we know we will get a battling Van de Donk . And what did a suspect defence learn from the Olympics to be able to produce to go deep in the tournament .
Portugal a ever evolving team gaining valuable experience in last year’s euros a team loaded with very talented individuals but again suspect to defensive lapses and at times missing opportunités in attack however as they learn from experience are capable of frustrating opposition. Jessica Silva who hit top form at the start of the year taking her opportunies for SL Benfica will be the key in attack with her pace. Kika , Ana Capeta among others very capable of scoring to and productivity in assist. A defense lead by Carole Costa , Lucia Alves valuable uwcl experience as seen Portugal shore up and prove can be capable of giving opposition at the highest level a tough game the question can it hold for 90 is their test.
Vietnam enter the tournament having played numerous build up games against várious level of opposition . They showed there tanacity in the recent Friendly against Germany and attacking prowess that teams will be wary off. A lovely technical style a team well peiced together however as the daunting opening task of facing a USA team that will certainly test the metal of the defence in the opening period of the first game . Whatever the outcome as the group progresses it will be a gutsy 100% effort and Fans who have not seen them play will enjoy . Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang is one to pose a goal threat , Chuong Thi Kieu is the most experienced defender, Huynh Nhu the captain and Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung provide midfield talent .
Group G
Sweden third place in 2019 always strong well organised and capable of posing a threat . Very experienced squad with the spine Magdelena Eiríksson , Kosovare Asllani , Stína Blackstenius in place along with the width threat of Sofia Jakobsson , Fridolina Rolfo and emerging youth talent such as Hanna Bennison . In Form domestically Madelen Janogy and Olivia Schough provide further threats to once again go deep into the tournament .
South Africa despite issues with Preperation games and recent off field issues leading to the boycott of the send off games the WAFCON reigning champions will be well organised by excellent coach Desiree Ellis, whose technical team study very well the opposition. A defense lead by South Africa domestic Champions and current leaders Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Lebohang Ramalepe will be set up to frustrate the opposition and use the attacking talents such as Hilda Magaila , Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Gabriela Salgado with midfielders Refiloe Jane , Thembi Kgatlana , Mapula Kgoale other goal threats from midfield. They are in a group where they are capable of progressing to the second round shoring up there defence which had issues in some preparation matches with not all players available in various encounters.
Italy sprung surprises in changing of the guard in various positions . A well organised team very sound technical players will provide stiff opposition for all group teams. The likes of Bartoli , Girelli , Bonansea , Cantore, Giacinti among others are capable of providing a threat . A problem maybe as though the play is very nice to see sometimes can be slow and predictable . Including very highly rated youngster Giulli Dragoni in the final squad came as a surprise . It is a tournament she will definitely learn valuable future experience but maybe to early in her career to provide a full impact .
Argentina , a physical style of defence and cameo attacking technically sound and some very high quality individuals such as Estefânia Banini , Florencia Bonsegundo , Youngsters Dalila Ippolito , promising youth talent Chiara Singarella one of the talents that came through the base categorys in the past four years . Yamila Rodriguez ,Mariana Larroquette provide dangerous goal threats along with another emerging talent Paulina Gramaglia. A team certainly exciting to watch need to keep well disciplined and not give opposition to many free kick opportunities near it’s own goal
1st Round 10-18 July 2023 2nd Round 23-31 October 2023 3rd Round 19-28 February 2024 4th Round 1-9 April 2024
Top half of the draw Bottom half of the draw
The first round of the draw through up exciting clashes Namibia v Equatorial Guinea , Uganda v Rwanda , Burkina Faso v Mali .
Moving forward a potential second round clash between Uganda / Rwanda v Cameroun , Burkina Faso / Mali v Zambia , Côte D’ivoire v Tunisia could highlight a second round .
The third round potentially could see very exciting match ups Ghana v Zambia , Cameroun v Nigeria , Côte D’ivoire v Morocco , Botswana v South Africa
The final qualifying round next April which will see two teams qualify with match ups possible being Ghana / Zambia v Morocco / Côte D’ivoire , and Cameroun / Nigeria v South Africa .
We remember the last qualifying edition where Côte D’ivoire eliminated Nigeria in the third Qualifying round , with two exciting Semi Finals Zambia overcoming Kenya 3-2 on aggregate and Cameroun eliminating Côte D’ivoire 2-1 over the two games . Zambia went on to defeat Cameroun on away Goals to clinch the CAF ticket in two Thrilling encounters.
Unfortunately we do not have some associations in the qualifying process this time. Malawi we miss the great Chawinga sisters , Algeria who did not enter , Kenya citing the process for entry was when they still suspended by fifa . Surprisingly Senegal who reached the Women’s World Cup Repechage did not enter either .
Despite the losses of these associations we look forward to a great qualifying process with much drama and excitement ahead .
Marie Ngah Manga a great talent of Cameroun’s next generation scored a hattrick as Lekie FF clinched the championship title in the Guinness Super League demolishing Authentic 6-2.
Part of a terror trio attack with Brenda Tabe and Raissa Nnanga , Marie leads the way in the golden boot race with 15 goals , Nnanga has 13 , Brenda 12. Hér ability to create as also seen her to produce a further 10 assists .
It is no surprise Marie shines brightly coming from a fantastic season in Kazakhstan in 2022 where she finished the season as the league leading scorer with 42 goals for Okzhepetes
Returning from Kazakhstan to Cameroun she has become a integral part of the new force of women’s football with outstanding Guinesco performances which caught the interest of Lokomotiv Moscow , issues prevented a move to the gain of Lekie FF .
Marie Ngah Manga also has been a member of various Cameroun International teams of all age groups , and a bright prospect for the next decade for the senior International team
woso world 