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African players to watch …At 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicked off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday after impressive opening ceremony and matches involving the two joint hosts.
In attendance are the finest nations as far as women football is concerned and are expected to entertain global soccer fans with their football dexterity.
Characteristically, attention is on the ‘heavyweights’ to run the show at the showpiece.
Countries like the United States of America (USA), Canada, Norway, Australia and Germany have always dominated to the latter stages of the tournament.
This is because others like China, Japan who were previously among the elites seem to have dropped in standards and would be joined by the likes of Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Portugal as some of the ‘outsiders’ that would want to upset the apple-cart.
But from a far corner, Africa is storming this World Cup with high hopes of at least make a representation at the medal zone of the competition.
Nigeria have been at the forefront of this audacious challenge but have failed in their bid.
But with the kind of investment made on the continent to develop the women’s game to rival the advanced nation, a major upset from Africa may come too soon, if not this particular event.
Once again, the Super Falcons would be at the forefront of this agenda and be ably supported by the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, an in-form Zambia team and Morocco, a new force in the game in Africa.
With additional files from Cafonline.com, the Spectator Sports takes a look at some of the African players expected to shine at the tournament to make the African agenda a huge success.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria
Age: 22
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Paris FC (France)
The youngest goalkeeper at France 2019, Nnadozie has grown over the last four years.
After a stellar season with 11 clean sheets in 26 games to help Paris FC finish third and qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Nigerian’s shot-stopping abilities will be key. Standing at 1.8m, she dominates the area and is strong on crosses and set-pieces.
Andile Dlamini – South Africa
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Fresh off being named the best goalkeeper at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022, Dlamini heads to her second World Cup.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star is renowned for her one-on-one prowess thanks to speed off her line and positioning. Her reflexes and reach also make her a top shot-stopper.
Ireen Lungu – Zambia
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Club: BIIK Kazygurt (Kazakhstan)
A mobile midfielder, Lungu is aggressive on the ball and willing to take risks. She possesses excellent close control to retain possession in tight areas and draw fouls.
Going forward, she shows creativity and guile to dictate play from the middle third with precise short and long passing.
Ghizlane Chebbak – Morocco
Age: 32
Position: Midfielder
Club: AS FAR (Morocco)
Voted player of the tournament at the Women’s AFCON 2022, playmaker Chebbak has football pedigree as daughter of 1976 AFCON winner Larbi Chebbak.
Equally adept as a box-to-box runner or advanced playmaker, her vision, passing range and set-piece delivery make her a key cog for Morocco.
Fatima Tagnaout – Morocco
Age: 24
Position: Forward
Club: AS FAR
Pace and creativity define Tagnaout’s game. The versatile striker can play across the front line but prefers the left channel, cutting inside to shoot with her right foot.
Her acceleration and top speed make her a constant threat on the counter, while clever movement creates space.
Asisat Oshoala – Nigeria
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Club: Barcelona (Spain)
A five-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Oshoala thrives on the open field with her blistering speed.
Though she can finish anywhere, her heading, hold-up play and athleticism make her a well-rounded striker. Intelligent runs in behind defences are a specialty of the prolific finisher.
Barbra Banda – Zambia
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Club: Shanghai Shengli (China)
Banda announced herself on the world stage at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first women’s footballer to score back-to-back hat-tricks at an Olympics.
Her pace with the ball creates space to shoot from distance or attack defences directly.
Dropping deep to link play, she also provides key passes, while curling right-foot strikes echo Thierry Henry.
Thembi Kgatlana – South Africa
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Club: Racing Louisville (USA)
After missing most of the Women’s AFCON 2022 through injury, Kgatlana is back fit to lead the line for Banyana Banyana.
Boasting superb technique and explosive acceleration, her low centre of gravity helps in duels. Strong aerial abilities and smart movement round out the skillset of the 5’4” striker.
Grace Chanda – Zambia
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Club: Madrid CFF (Spain)
At just 5’3″, Chanda is arguably the top central midfielder in Africa currently.
The Copper Queens captain dictates play with short and long passing, while also taking on defenders.
To unsettle opponents, she frequently combines with the right back. Chanda’s left-footed shooting stands out for its power and swerve, allowing her to beat goalkeepers regularly.
Her set-piece delivery is equally dangerous. Defensively, she displays intelligence in cutting off passing lanes.
Chanda’s vision, creativity and well-rounded game make her the heartbeat of the Zambian midfield. Having spent her career with top Spanish clubs, the 26-year-old will arrive at the World Cup boasting valuable experience against elite European competition.