2023 Women's World Cup friendlies: Morocco impress, Nigeria struggle
2023 Women's World Cup: Africa's representatives played friendlies, and Morocco made a good impression.
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Morocco in good form
The African runners-up keep impressing. Morocco won both of their friendlies, and in fine style. The Atlas Lionesses thrashed Slovakia (3-0) before beating Bosnia-Herzegovina (2-0). Everything is going well for the Moroccan women with four months to go before the World Cup. They will also play a third friendly, against the Czech Republic, on 4 March. At the 2023 Women's World Cup, Morocco will take on Germany, South Korea and Colombia in Group H. Morocco could make a good impression in their first appearance in a World Cup finals stage.
Zambia and South Africa making progress
Zambia and South Africa both took part in the Turkish Women's Cup, and both sides made a good impression. In their opening game, the Zambians beat North Macedonia 1-0. They then lost to Slovenia (1-0). The Copper Queens finished the competition on a high, thrashing Uzbekistan (4-0), a fine win for Chanda's team-mates. Zambia will play in their first World Cup, and they are on the right track. At the 2023 Women's World Cup, Zambia are in Group C with Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.
South Africa also made a good impression in Turkey. The reigning African champions got their campaign under way at the 2023 Turkish Women's Cup, held in Alanya. Desiree Ellis's players comfortably beat Uzbekistan (3-0) on Saturday evening in Group B. In their second outing, the Rainbow Nation were held to a draw by Slovenia (1-1). Banyana Banyana are in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina.
Nigeria struggling
Despite their win over Costa Rica (1-0), Nigeria are struggling to convince. That win ended a run of seven consecutive defeats. The Super Falcons' last victory came at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, against Cameroon in the quarter-final. Since then, it has been a barren spell. At the Women's Revelation Cup, the nine-time African champions lost to Mexico (1-0) and to Colombia by the same score. Those defeats are worrying with four months to go before the World Cup. Nigeria have been drawn in Group B with Canada, Australia and Ireland.