The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off on Thursday (20 July), with the African champions Banyana Banyana set to take on Sweden in their first match on Sunday (23 July) at 7am South African time.
Desiree Ellis’ charges were crowned Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champs for the very first-time last year and will now test themselves against the best women’s teams in the world.
Banyana are making their second appearance in the global showpiece, this time around aiming to make it past the group stages after crashing out in the first round without a win in 2019.
Banyana who are ranked 48th have been pitted in a tough group where they will face 3rd ranked side Sweden, before facing world number 28 Argentina and 16th placed Italy, in the group stages.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each of the eight groups will move on to the knockout phase, which begins with the round of 16.
There’s been exceptional growth (although more can be done with regards to development, investment, and equality) in the women’s game.
The 9th edition of the Women’s World Cup which is co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia consists of a total of 32 (previously 24) top national teams from five different confederations who will battle it out for the title of world champions.
As a result, for the first time in the competition Africa has four representatives: South Africa, Nigeria (8th appearance) Morocco and Zambia will be making their debut.
Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lionesses come into the tournament with the weight of being the first women’s team from the Arab world to play on the World Cup stage. All eyes will be on them following the impressive run of their male counterparts at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lionesses, who are the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations runners-up, will take on two-time champions Germany, Colombia, and Korea Republic.
Zambia will be no push over, especially when referring to their performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. The Copper queens’ opponents include the 2011 World Cup champions Japan, Costa Rica and Spain.
Banyana Group Fixtures:
- 23 July: Sweden vs South Africa, 07:00 am SA Time at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
- 28 July: Argentina vs South Africa, 02:00 am SA Time at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
- 2 August: South Africa vs Italy, 09:00 am SA Time at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
South Africa’s Women’s World Cup 23-player squad:
- Keepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane
- Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Noko Matlou, Bongeka Gamede, Bambanani Mbane
- Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly
- Forwards: Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Gabriela Salgado
