The race for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in women’s football intensifies across Africa this weekend, with two slots available for the continent.
These slots provide an opportunity for Africa to have more representatives. Eight of the best women’s football teams in Africa will attempt to outdo each other for a spot in the final round.
The third round is set to take place in February 2024. The winners will then play the fourth and final round in April 2024.
Ghana are among the contenders, facing a formidable Zambian side, while Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco among others also vie for the coveted Olympic spots.
Ghana aim to secure their first-ever appearance at the Olympics. The Black Queens, rejuvenated under Hauptle’s guidance, face a resilient Zambian team seeking redemption after a challenging debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Zambia’s eagerness to make back-to-back appearances sets the stage for an intense battle, with both teams boasting impressive records in their recent matches.
The Copper Queens are set to encounter a highly performing Black Queens team led by Swiss tactician Nora Hauptle, who has transformed their style of play since her appointment. The Black Queens have suffered only one defeat in 11 games under Hauptle. Both teams have experienced just one loss in their previous five matches, adding excitement to the clash on Friday evening.
Read more on Black Queens
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- Black Queens a top 10 team in Africa, says Nora Hauptle
The Black Queens, bolstered by players like FC Juarez’s Grace Asantewaa, Spartak Subotica’s Doris Boaduwaa, enter the game with confidence, complemented by the addition of midfielder Freda Ayisi.
The Copper Queens feature the world’s most expensive female footballer, Racheal Kundananji, and Barbara Banda, forming a formidable striking duo.
The striking duo have scored fourteen goals between them in Zambia’s last five games excluding the COSAFA Cup.
Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has a win rate of 91% so far.
As the team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia, @Bill_Eshun compares her record to other Ghanaian coaches in the last five years.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/SSM1OrpdCO
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 23, 2024
Also, in the running is Nigeria who are looking for a return to the Olympics since 2008, 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions South Africa and runners-up Morocco.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, having made history at their debut FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying for the last 16, aim to continue their meteoric rise by securing an Olympic spot. Their World Cup feat included victories over formidable sides like Columbia and Germany.
With 11 eleven goals in six games resulting in five victories and a draw, the Atlas Lioness are poised to rely on Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout, and Tottenham’s Rosella Ayane as they face Tunisia.
Nouhaila Benzina who made history when she became the first player to wear a hijab at the World Cup will provide the defensive advantage for the Lionesses as they aim for a spot in Paris 2024.
Tunisia, on the other hand with two losses in four games are hoping to shock Morocco by playing above themselves. The Eagles of Carthage have been absent from the Olympic games and this will provide them an opportunity to have a feel of the Olympics in Paris.
Africa Cup of Nations record champions, Nigeria, seeking a return to the Olympics since 2008, confront Cameroon in a fierce clash. The Super Falcons consistency at the World Cup has not reflected in Olympic Games and would relish the chance to make the most of this opportunity.
After a good start at the World Cup where they beat Australia, England stood in their way to end their impressive show. The Super Falcons are therefore poised to make amends for that and show up at the Olympic Games .
The Super Falcons, led by reigning African best player Asissat Oshoala, are on a five-game unbeaten streak. Cameroon, eager for redemption after missing out on the World Cup, relies on veteran captain Ajara Nchout’s leadership. Despite a poor run for Inter Milan this season, she is aiming to revive her form in the crucial game.
South Africa stand as odds favourites against Tanzania. Boasting a dynamic forward trio of Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, and Linda Motlhaho, Banyana Banyana aim to secure their place in the next stage of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.
The African champions haven’t lost a game since September last year and are poised to take advantage of their form to outclass Tanzania who seem to be gradually picking up.
As the glamour of Paris 2024 beckons and the prospect of the best-ever Olympics looms, these exceptional African women’s football teams are poised to give their all for a chance to represent the continent on the global stage.
By Frank-Kamal Acheampong|3Sports|Ghana