The highly anticipated FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 qualifying stage has come to an end, with 16 teams from six confederations securing their spots for the prestigious tournament. The qualifying stage, which kicked off on December 8, 2023, and concluded on June 16, 2024, saw intense competition among teams vying for a chance to participate in the global showpiece.
Notably, this edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be the last to feature 16 teams, as the tournament is set to expand to 24 teams for the next edition. This change is aimed at providing more opportunities for young female players to compete at the highest level and further developing women’s football globally.
The qualified teams include Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, Japan, Kenya, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Spain, USA, and Zambia. These teams will now gear up for the tournament, set to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.
Out of the countries aforementioned, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia were the only African countries that will represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic on October 16.
Nigeria was the first African team to beat Liberia 6-1 on aggregate to secure a place in the women’s youth competition.
Things went smoothly for the Nigerians after a comfortable 4-1 away win last weekend.
Starting with the home supporters in Abuja on Friday, June 14, Harmony Chidi secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the West African nation, more than enough to become the number one African nation to secure a place in the final.
The second of Africa’s three spots was secured by Zambia on Saturday, June 15, as the Zambians return to the tournament after a 10-year absence.
The job was as good as it got in Ndola, as Namute Chileshe’s stunning hat-trick secured a 3-1 win for the Southern African side.
Starting the return leg against Morocco, the Zambians held Morocco to a goalless stalemate, which meant they became the second nation to book a place at the global showpiece.
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On Sunday, June 15, the Kenyan Junior Stars made history when they became the first national football team to qualify for the World Cup and secured a 2-0 victory over Burundi in the second leg, winning 5-0 on aggregate.
The three teams joined the tournament in proud moments in women’s football in Africa, where they were all well represented.
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