The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group G of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to be played in Australia and New Zealand.
The draw was held in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau earlier today (Saturday, 22 October 2022).
The reigning African champions will battle it out with Sweden, Italy and Argentina for a chance to move out of the group stages.
This will be the first time Banyana Banyana face Italy and Argentina in any competition.
South Africa will be hoping for a better showing this time around in their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
In 2019 they were drawn against China PR, Germany and Spain.
The opening match saw them go down 3-1 valiantly to Spain, with Thembi Kgatlana scoring South Africa’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup and the only goal at the 2019 edition.
They would suffer another defeat to China (0-1) and a huge loss to a disciplined Germany (0-4).
The Nigerian Super Falcons should be all smiles after they received a favourable draw in Group B, which included the co-host Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Canada.
Zambia will be hoping to get out of the Group C where they will face Costa Rica, Spain and Japan.
Morocco, the fourth African country at the tournament, are up against Germany, Colombia and the Korea Republic in Group H.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 opening match will see co-hosts New Zealand taking Norway, while fellow co-hosts Australia will be up against debutants the Republic of Ireland.
Next year’s tournament will be played between 20 July and 20 August in Australia and New Zealand.
Among the 800 guests in attendance was New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, former England international Ian Wright and the USA’s Carli Loyd as well as all the coaches.
Group A
New Zealand Norway Philippines Switzerland
Group B
Australia Republic of Ireland Nigeria Canada
Group C
Spain Costa Rica Zambia Japan
Group D
England Group B play-off winner Denmark China PR
Group E
USA Vietnam Netherlands Group A play-off winner
Group F
France Jamaica Brazil Group C play-off winner
Group G
Sweden South Africa Italy Argentina
Group H
Germany Morocco Colombia Korea Republic
There are only 29 teams that have confirmed their qualification with three spots up for grabs.
A 10-team tournament will be played in New Zealand in February next year to fill up the spaces.
The countries taking part in the play-off competition are: Portugal, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Cameroon, Senegal, Haiti, Panama, Chile, Paraguay and Papua New Guinea.
By Matlhomola Morake
