Three out of the four African teams that qualified for the FIFA 2023 Women's Jamboree have advanced to the knockout stages of the competition.
FIFA WWC 2023: Can African Teams Reach the Quarter Finals of the World Cup?
Morocco, a team competing for the first time, made history by advancing to the Round of Sixteen alongside Nigeria and South Africa. They secured second place in Group H by defeating Colombia and South Korea.
Having recorded 2 wins and a heavy defeat by Germany, the Atlas Lionesses will face their most formidable opponent so far, France, in the Round of 16.
Teams can look to Jamaica, who held Coach Herve Renard's girls to a draw, and Panama, who scored three goals in a thrilling nine-goal match, for inspiration that goals can be scored in that game.
See Also: FIFA WWC 2023: African Players to Watch in the Round of 16
On the other hand, South Africa has made history by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time. They achieved this after recording one win, one draw, and one defeat in Group G.
The team coached by Ellis managed to overcome a deficit and defeat Italy 3-2, securing their place in the Round of 16. However, they now face a tough opponent in the Netherlands, who were the runners-up in the previous FIFA Women's World Cup.
The impressive Dutch team has not lost a game in the past three matches as they advance to the knockout stage. However, the Bayana Bayana team is looking to build on their confidence after their 3-2 win over Italy and are ready to face the Netherlands.
The African champions need to tighten their defense to prevent conceding goals. In their match against Argentina, they lost their two-goal lead due to defensive lapses.
The Super Falcons have participated in every FIFA Women's World Cup since 1991. Their experience was shown in Group B as they moved through the group stage unbeaten, recording 2 draws and a win. They will face England, who also are yet to be beaten in this competition and have scored in every game played so far.
England will head into the knockout out stages as favorites but should be weary of the Super Falcons, who had a superb 3-2 comeback against Australia. Nigeria will have to find a way to deal with England's Lauren James, who is not known only for scoring goals but assisting goals too.
To have an edge against England, the Super Falcons must create chances for their star woman Asisat Oshoala, who has always shown her abilities on big occasions. Worth noting is the fact that Oshoala has scored in all three FIFA Women's World Cups she participated in, and Nigeria will have to use her abilities and expertise to outclass England.
It is worth noting that the Copper Queens of Zambia bowed out of the competition after recording a win and two defeats.
Fixture/Schedule For Knockout Stage
South Africa vs Netherlands
03:00am WAT
Sunday 06th August 2023.
England vs Nigeria
Monday, 7 August 2023
08:30 WAT
Morocco vs France
12:00pm WAT
Tuesday 8th August 2023