Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria have been confirmed as the three African nations that will represent the continent at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year.
This eighth edition of the global event is scheduled to take place from 16 October to 3 November 2024 in the Dominican Republic.
Nigeria will be one of the favourites from Africa, having participated in six of the seven previous editions of the finals. Zambia also raised their hand as worthy contenders after seeing off stiff competition, including Morocco enroute to qualification.
However, the biggest surprise comes from Kenya who will participate in the finals for the first time.
Nigeria’s Flamingos punched their ticket by defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. The West African Powerhouse won the first leg 4-1 before concluding the matter at home in Abuja on Sunday with a 2-0 triumph.
Zambia will return to the global stage 10 years after their last participation. The Copper Princesses dashed Morocco’s hopes with a 3-1 aggregate victory, despite a barren draw Saturday in Morocco.
Finally, Kenya etched their name in African women’s football history by becoming the latest team to qualify for the first time in the Women’s U-17 category.
The Harambee Starlets secured their maiden ticket by triumphing over Burundi 2-0 in Nairobi, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory. This remarkable feat will see them grace the global finals for the first time.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™ will feature the three African teams alongside England, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and hosts Dominican Republic.
CAF