The four African representatives have played their first day of the 2023 Women's World Cup and to say the least, it's not been a great one. Zambia and Morocco have been taught a lesson, South Africa has been naive and Nigeria has not conquered enough.
Morocco were dreaming of the World Cup. The Atlas Lionesses may have imagined themselves on the same honourable path as the Lions, who a few months ago reached the semi-finals of the men's World Cup in Qatar.Unfortunately, they got off to a nightmarish start.It has to be said that fate has not spared the Moroccans. They made their debut at the 2023 Women's World Cup against one of the greatest nations in the history of women's soccer: two-time world champions Germany (2003 and 2007).
The Germans showed no mercy. They quickly showed that the gap in level was still abysmal. They won 6-0. Alexandra Popp scored twice (11th and 39th). Klara Buhl scored the 3rd goal just after the break (46th). Hanane (54th) and Mrabel (79th) then scored in their own goal. Before Léa Shuller closed the scoring at 6-0 early in added time. On Matchday 2, Morocco will look to bounce back against South Korea.
Zambia was also making its debut at the global showpiece. And they won't soon forget it. The Coopers Queens suffered a terrible hazing at the hands of Japan.A clean-cut manita (5-0). Nigeria and South Africa, a little more experienced, got off to a slightly better start at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The Nigerians drew 0-0 with Canada. Not a bad result for Nigeria, since the Canadians are the reigning Olympic champions.
No worse than the 2019 Women's World Cup
The other African team, South Africa, faced Sweden, the reigning Olympic runners-up. Banyana Banyana could at least have come away with a draw. They opened the scoring with a Magaia strike. However, the Swedes took the lead thanks to goals from Rolfo (65th) and Ilestedt (90th).
A dominant display. #BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 24, 2023
All in all, Africa emerged from Day 1 of the 2023 Women's World Cup with 1 draw, 3 defeats, 13 goals conceded and only 1 scored. However, this is no worse than the previous edition in 2019. After the first day four years ago, South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon all lost. While the Cameroonians and Nigerians were able to bounce back and secure a "best third place" to qualify for the Round of 16, the South Africans suffered 3 defeats and said bye-bye to the competition.
