As anticipation builds up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the journey for African women’s football teams to secure a spot in the global showpiece has intensified.
The third round of qualifiers, scheduled between 19th and 28th February 2024, promises thrilling encounters as nations vie to represent the continent on the grand stage.
Ghana will face Zambia, Tunisia will tackle Morocco, Nigeria will clash with Cameroon, while Tanzania will take on South Africa.
Fixture Highlights:
Ghana vs. Zambia: A clash of titans as Ghana and Zambia lock horns in a battle for supremacy.
Tunisia vs. Morocco: Expect fierce competition as Tunisia and Morocco seek to outshine each other on the field.
Nigeria vs. Cameroon: A rivalry renewed as Nigeria and Cameroon face off in a match filled with passion and determination.
Tanzania vs. South Africa: The underdogs take on the favorites as Tanzania squares up against South Africa in a match of David vs. Goliath proportions.
Road to Paris:
Following the third round, four teams will advance to the final round, slated between 1st and 9th April 2024.
Only two coveted spots await the top-performing teams from the final round, propelling them to represent Africa at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
These two teams will join ten others from across continents, forming a formidable lineup of global competitors.
As the qualifiers unfold, football enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling matches and the emergence of the teams that will carry Africa’s hopes and dreams to the grand stage of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, Stanley Smart, a Sports Analyst, gave his thoughts on the two teams that could represent Africa in Paris.
“I must say that Nigeria and South Africa will emerge as frontrunners for securing Africa’s berths at the Olympics,” Smart said.
“As each team brings its unique strengths and strategies to the pitch, the Super Falcons of Nigeria boasts a rich footballing history and a tradition of excellence in women’s football in Africa and the World, making them formidable contenders.
“Meanwhile, South Africa’s recent performances and steady development in women’s football position them as strong contenders also for Olympic qualification.”
He added, “We cannot write off a team like Morocco.
“They did well at the last Women’s FIFA World Cup.
“As debutants, they reached the knockout round of the tournament [in Australia and New Zealand].
“So should South Africa fail to make it, I tip the North Africans to qualify for Paris,” he further stated.