THE Confederation of African Football has been basking in glory today as teams from the continent made history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Of the four African representatives, three have qualified for the round of 16, making it the first time in the global tournament’s history that the continent will have so many teams in the knockout rounds.
Nine-time African champions Nigeria were the first to advance after drawing 0-0 with Republic of Ireland on Monday to finish second in Group B behind co-hosts Australia.
African champions South Africa followed suit yesterday when a 3-2 victory over Italy propelled them to second spot in Group G and a first-ever ticket to the round of 16.
Morocco, the hosts and runners-up of the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, completed the historic achievement for the continent today when they defeated Colombia to ease through to the last-16 stage in their first Women’s World Cup.
Even the fourth African team, Zambia, did not exit the tournament without a win as they beat Costa Rica 3-1 on Sunday to ensure that all the teams from the continent recorded at least one victory for the first time in history.
Moments after Morocco’s win over Morocco, CAF celebrated, tweeting in all caps: “HISTORY! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THREE AFRICAN NATIONS HAVE QUALIFIED TO THE WORLD CUP’S ROUND OF 16!”
The continental body’s secretary general, Veron Mosengo-Omba, also excitedly hailed the achievement on social media.
“African football has made history! For the first time ever, THREE African teams are through to the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup! Congratulations to African champions South Africa, runners-up Morocco, and Nigeria,” he wrote.
All the African teams have tough encounters in the round of 16, with Super Falcons of Nigeria facing European champions England, South Africa battling the Netherlands and Morocco up against France.
