African teams in FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024
Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria have been confirmed as the three African nations that will represent the continent at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year. This eighth edition of the global event is scheduled to take place from 16 October to 3 November 2024 in the Dominican Republic.
Nigeria will be one of the favourites from Africa, having participated in six of the seven previous editions of the finals. Zambia also raised their hand as worthy contenders after seeing off stiff competition, including Morocco enroute to qualification.
However, the biggest surprise comes from Kenya who will participate in the tournament for the first time.
Nigeria’s Flamingos punched their ticket by defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. The West African Powerhouse won the first leg 4-1 before concluding the matter at home in Abuja on Sunday with a 2-0 triumph.
Zambia will return to the global stage 10 years after their last participation. The Copper Princesses dashed Morocco’s hopes with a 3-1 aggregate victory, despite a barren draw Saturday in Morocco.
Finally, Kenya etched their name in African women’s football history by becoming the latest team to qualify for the first time in the Women’s U-17 category.
The Harambee Starlets secured their maiden ticket by triumphing over Burundi 2-0 in Nairobi, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory. This remarkable feat will see them grace the global finals for the first time.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™ will feature the three African teams alongside England, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and host Dominican Republic.
Group stage opponents
Nigeria, a regular fixture in the tournament, were drawn in Group A alongside host Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand following the draw. The Flamingoes will be looking to improve on their previous performances and make a deep run in the competition.
Kenya, making their debut in the tournament, face a challenging Group C. They will compete against North Korea, Mexico, and England. Despite being newcomers, the Kenyan side will be eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Zambia rounds out the African contingent in Group D, where they will face 2014 champions Japan, Poland, and Brazil. The Zambians will need to be at their best to progress from this competitive group.
The tournament presents a significant opportunity for these African sides to showcase their talent and continue the continent’s growing influence in women’s football. Nigeria, in particular, will be aiming to build on their strong tradition in youth tournaments.
Reigning champions Spain begin their title defence in Group B, facing the USA, South Korea, and Colombia. The Spanish side will be looking to replicate their success from the 2022 edition.
The competition kicks off on 16 October, with the final scheduled for 3 November in Santo Domingo. This edition marks the last time the competition will host 16 nations, with the 2025 tournament in Morocco expanding to 24 teams.
Source: CAF
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