Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia will represent the African continent at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 03 November this year.
The three nations booked their tickets to the global junior women’s football showpiece this past weekend.
The Falconets of Nigeria were the first to tick their name on the list of qualified countries after defeating Liberia 2-0 in the second leg following a comfortable 4-1 victory in the first leg, winning 6-1 on aggregate. This is a CAF record seventh appearance at the tournament. The Flamingoes took part in the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2022 editions – finishing third in the latter tournament held in India. They missed out only on the 2018 showpiece in Uruguay.
Armed with 3-1 advantage from the first leg, the Zambians followed suit when they held Morocco to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture, making a return to the tournament after a 10-year absence. The last time they took part was in 2014 in Costa Rica, a tournament won by Japan.
East Africans Kenya were the last team to confirm their spot. Their path was almost a done deal following a 3-0 win against Burundi, before finishing off the job with a 2-0 victory to become the third African nation at FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024. The Junior Starlets made history by qualifying for their first ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, and are also the first Kenyan national team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
The three African countries join hosts Dominican Republic, defending champions Spain as well as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, England, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland and the USA.
This tournament will feature 16 for the last time, with participants increased to 24 for the next edition.
For the 2024 global showpiece, the 16 countries will be divided into four groups of four, with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the quarter finals. This will be followed by semi-finals, a match for third place and the final
It will be the first time the Dominican Republic host a FIFA Tournament.
FIFA U17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS:
2008: DPR Korea
2010: Korea Republic
2012: France
2014: Japan
2016: DPR Korea
2018: Spain
2022: Spain
By Matlhomola Morake
