This weekend promises to be a big one for the 16 remaining U17 Women’s National teams as they will battle it out for spots in the third and final round of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania, Benin, Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Benin and Algeria all remain in the hunt for the elusive ticket to Morocco.
With the African continent given five slots, including for the hosts, the battle will be vigorous as they enter the first leg second round starting Saturday (8 March).
Perhaps the most anticipated clash is that of South Africa and the Nigerian Flamingos which will be fought out at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, near Pretoria.
Both have been to the World Cup tournament, with the West Africans as recent as last year in the Dominican Republic where their race ended in the quarterfinals, falling to the USA.
Kenya who made history by qualifying for the tournament in 2024 for the first time ever, will be looking to repeat that feat but will have to past a stubborn Uganda in a CECAFA derby.
Zambia were also in the Dominican Republic and failed to make it out of the group, and with the experience and lessons from the tournament will want to overcome Tanzania.
Botswana will also be looking to keep the COSAFA flag flying high when they face North Africans, Algeria.
In other duels, Benin takes on DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire faces Burundi, Sierra Leone tackles Guinea and Cameroon hosts Ethiopia.
The first leg results will give an indication of which teams are likely to go through to the third round.
Five matches will be played Saturday, with the remaining three taking place on Sunday (9 March)
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup FIXTURES:
First-leg SECOND ROUND:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 (Local time)
- South Africa vs Nigeria (15:00)
- Uganda vs Kenya (15:00)
- Botswana vs Algeria (15:00)
- Sierra Leone vs Guinea (18:00)
- Cameroon vs Ethiopia (20:00)
Sunday, March 9, 2025 (local time)
- Tanzania vs Zambia (15:00)
- Benin vs DR Congo (18:00)
- Cote d’Ivoire vs Burundi (17:00)
Second-Leg
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Burundi vs Cote d’Ivoire
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Ethiopia vs Cameroon
Zambia vs Tanzania
Nigeria vs South Africa
Guinea vs Sierra Leone
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Kenya vs Uganda
DR Congo vs Benin
Algeria vs Botswana
By Matlhomola Morake
