Africa’s four representatives in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup have played their first round of matches. The Super Falcons of Nigeria played out a goalless draw with Olympic champions Canada while Copper Queens of Zambia were humiliated 5-0 by Japan.
Chiamaka Nnadozie saved Nigeria in the match against Canada
African champions, the Bayana Bayana of South Africa lost to Sweden 2-1 as the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco conceded the biggest defeat at this World Cup so far, losing 6-0 to Germany.
African teams have scored only one goal but have conceded 13 goals. They are yet to win a single match but have lost three of the four they played. When you place these statistics side by side with that of other continents, you will notice that African teams are below par.
European teams have played 11 matches, they won eight drew one and lost only two, which means they have won 72% of their matches. They have conceded only three goals and scored 17 goals so far.
Asia has six teams that have played five matches won two and lost three and South Korea will be in action for the first time tomorrow. They have scored six goals and have conceded six goals as well. They have won 40% of their matches.
South America parades three teams and have played only two matches as Colombia will be playing tomorrow, they won one and lost won, scored four goals and conceded only one. The percentage of matches they have won is 50%.
North and Central America have four representatives and they have played four matches, won one, drew one and lost two. They have scored three goals and conceded seven. They have won 25% of their matches.
Lastly, the Oceania Confederation has three teams and all have played their opening matches. They won one, drew one and lost one. Scoring one goal and conceding one goal as well. Their percentage of matches won is 33%.
From the foregoing it is obvious that Africa is the worst continent so far. The only continent yet to win a match.
African champions must redeem their image
As the second round of matches start tomorrow, African teams must re-organise and confront their remaining two matches respectively as if they are the finals.
The Super Falcons must not lose to Australia and will have to defeat debutants Ireland with as many goals as possible to stand a mathematical chance of qualifying.
The Copper Queens of Zambia are already carrying a heavy five goals deficit and will be facing Spain and Costa Rica. Anything short of an outright victory in both matches will be the end of the World Cup for Zambia.
Copper Queens in disarray during their 5-0 loss to Japan
Most African fans have high hopes on the African champions South Africa to represent Africa well at the World Cup, but their 2-1 loss to Sweden in their opening match has placed them in a very tight corner. To qualify from their group, the Bayana Bayana will have to defeat Italy and Argentina.
Morocco received 6-0 bashing in the hands of Germany and will therefore need to win against Colombia and South Korea – a difficult but possible task.
The Atlas Lionesses will have to roar again.
At least two African teams should reach the round of 16 and one should reach the quarter-finals. Anything short of this will mean another disastrous outing at the World Cup for Africa.
