AP Photo
By Rédaction Africanews and AP
Nigeria’s Women World Cup squad received a warm First Nations welcome in Bribane, Australia.
Some of Nigeria’s staff and players joined, Saturday (Jul. 16), their host performing traditional dances.
The ceremony took place 4 days before the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off.
The Nigerians will start their World Cup campaign by facing Canada on Friday (Jul. 21).
This year’s edition of the tournament is the third time the two teams will be clashing in the World Cup, with the West African side undefeated in the previous two head-to-heads.
They’ll then clash with Australia four days after Cananda and with the Republic of Ireland also four days after Australia.
The four teams make up group B.
The 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup is hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The Super Falcons have participated in the past six editions. Their best showing to date is a quarter-final appearance in the 1999 World Cup.
Nigeria is one of four squads from Africa which qualified this year.
Zambia is in Group C and will play Spain, Costa Rica and Japan.
South Africa in Group G will go head-to-head with Sweden, Italy and Argentina.
Morocco in Group H will play Germany, Colombia and The Korea Republic.
FIFA Lifts 18-Month Ban Against Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s government has welcomed the lifting of an 18-month ban by FIFA, football’s governing sports body, which will allow the country’s team to compete internationally again.
FIFA banned Zimbabwe from international matches in February 2022. The governing body acted after the government in Harare tried to take control of the Zimbabwe Football Association, on the grounds it had failed to account for some funds and did not investigate alleged cases of sexual abuse toward female players by football officials.
The situations have yet to be resolved, but FIFA chose to lift the ban as scheduled, with qualifiers for the next World Cup set to begin in Ivory Coast.
The end of the ban comes as a relief to football fans in Zimbabwe, where the sport has grown in popularity in recent years.
Speaking to reporters in Harare on Tuesday, sports minister Kirsty Coventry said the ban was beneficial to Zimbabwean football in the long run.
“Hundred percent it was worth it. It was hard, it came at a cost that we all knew before we took the decision but to get to this final stage, where we can sit down and agree finally on [a] way forward, that is going to benefit us as a country. Hundred and ten percent it was worth it,” Coventry said.
But Lincoln Mutasa, chairman of a “normalization committee” mandated by FIFA to hold elections for the Zimbabwe Football Association and investigate the sexual abuse and corruption allegations, had a different view about Zimbabwe being penalized.
“It was hurting, not only the sports people, but ourselves, all the sports parents,” he said. “You put so many hours to try get your kid to excel in a sport, when this doesn’t happen or when this is frustrated, it’s a big mountain to climb. So, I am really delighted for all parties involved for finding each other.”
FIFA’s manager for development programs in Africa, Solomon Mudege, said that even though the ban has been lifted, Zimbabwe’s government needs to stay out of the association’s affairs.
He said FIFA, the government and the Zimbabwe Football Association need to have open communication to avoid disruptions in the future.
“I can assure you in the coming days you will see a more transparent FIFA, how they share what is important and how they share investments from governments, and investments from FIFA. It’s something that we are proud of,” Mudege said. “So there is no change in FIFA’s approach. What we encourage is more engagements. We shouldn’t talk to each other [only] in situations of crisis and conflict.”
The end of FIFA’s suspension means Zimbabwe will be part of the African qualifiers for the next World Cup, beginning this Thursday in Ivory Coast.
Banyana Banyana eye historic spot in FIFA WC knockout stage
Alessandra Tarantino/Copyright 2019 The AP. All rights reserved
By Rédaction Africanews and AP
After more than three weeks in the local preparation and selection camp, the whole South African senior women’s team reunited on July 7 in New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The ‘Banyana Banyana’ are still searching for their first win at the showpiece event following their 2019 debut. Coach Ellis is well aware.
“We are not naive. But when you go to a tournament, you want to do well. I think the first game is the most important. We have to get a good start and get a positive result,” the CAF female coach of the year said.
“At present, I said we need to get out of the group stages. So we are working towards that. We know it’s not going to be easy. But we have great belief in the players. We have great belief in the team. And we are working towards that.”
“We are not only going there just as a representative from Africa, but we are going there as the African champions. I think that puts a little bit more pressure on everyone.
The pressure is indeed high. Following a historical AFCON victory, the squad had a dismal run, winning only three of its subsequent nine matches.
“I mean we cannot compare CAF to the European teams. It’s a totally different ball game. Yes we won AFCON and after that there were a couple of games right after that. I think fatigue did kicked in a little bit. But there’s no excuses. We have to be better as a team,” Kaylin Swart, South Africa & JVW FC goalkeeper said.
“I think that’s why we’ve been working so much on our defensive side of the game just so we know when we get to the World Cup, we will be solid enough to defend these teams that we are going to play.”
The African champions will be in Group G where they will play Sweden, Argentina and Italy for the first time.
The reigning African Champions, who are currently ranked at 54 in the latest FIFA rankings, will face 36th-ranked Costa Rica on Saturday, 15 July 2023 in Christchurch, New Zealand in what will be their final friendly match before the start of the tournament on 20 July 2023.
South African athlete Caster Semenya wins in rights case
FABIEN DUBESSAY/AFP or licensors
South African athlete Caster Semenya won her legal battle against Switzerland on Tuesday when the European Court of Human Rights ruled that she had been the victim of discrimination.
The 32-year-old runner brought her case against Switzerland’s supreme court after it ruled against her in 2020.
The Swiss court had upheld a decision three years ago by sport’s highest court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which validated the regulations put in place by the World Athletics organisation (formerly International Athletics Federation).
The athletics body requires athletes like Semenya who have naturally high levels of testosterone to lower their hormone levels through medical intervention.
Only by following these regulations can athletes continue to compete in female track events. The testosterone limits have effectively put a stop to Semenya’s career since 2019.
A divisive issue
Semenya’s case is highly complex. The athlete was identified as female at birth and continues to identify as a woman but, due to naturally high levels of testosterone, she has been at the forefront of the divisive issue of sex eligibility in sports since she first emerged on the track scene in 2009.
Her case, though very distinct, does intertwine with the issue of transgender women competing in sports.
World Athletics argue that high levels of testosterone in athletes like Semenya and those who have transitioned from male to female give them an unfair advantage in women’s competitions, in the same way as a male competing in women’s sports.
The organisation have tightened their rules over the years, lowering the levels of testosterone deemed acceptable. This year, the hormone rules were expanded to include all female track events.
In March, track authorities also banned transgender women from competing in female events.
Discrimination versus fairness
Semenya has argued that her testosterone levels should be considered a genetic gift in the same way as, for example, an athlete’s height or a swimmer’s long arms.
Now, the European rights court have sided with her, essentially underlining a belief that discrimination is not allowed ever, even in a sports context to ensure fairness.
However, it remains unclear how Tuesday’s ruling will affect the current regulations.
While the European court’s ruling applies to Switzerland as a country and its supreme court, Semenya will still need an appeal to succeed at the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport to then get the Monaco-based World Athletics organisation to consider withdrawing the rules.
The Banyana Banyana head to the FIFA Women’s World Cup after resolution of pay dispute
AP Photo
A second group of the South African female footballers of the national team was set to leave South Africa on Thursday (6 July 2023) to join up with the rest of the team and continue with preparations for the final friendly match against Costa Rica on 15 July 2023 before the official start of the tournament on July 20.
This comes after the resolution of a pay dispute. The dispute caused the entire squad to sit out a game on Sunday (Jul. 02) and was an embarrassment to the South African soccer association.
After the Banyana Banyana won the AFCON last year, South African president Ramaphosa said the country should outlaw pay discrimination and embark on a programme to bridge the gender pay gap.
To end the problem ahead of the World Cup, the Motsepe Foundation gave $320,000 to be shared between the 23 players going to the Women’s World Cup, officials announced at a press conference in Johannesburg.
It is the foundation set up by African soccer president and billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe.
After more than three weeks in the local preparation and selection camp, a first group of South African senior women’s team officially departed for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday evening (5 July 2023).
4 teams will represent Africa in the upcoming FIFA Women World Cup.
The 2023 FIFA’s World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand.
Nigeria in Group B against co-host Australia; The Republic of Ireland and Canada.
Zambia in Group C will play Spain; Costa Rica and Japan.
South Africa inGroup G will go head-to-head with Sweden; Italy and Argentina.
Morocco inGroup H will play Germany; Colombia and The Korea Republic.
Additional sources • AP – South African Football Association – FIFA
Morocco crowned U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions
2023
Fireworks for the Atlas Cubs in Rabat’s Moulaye Abdallah stadium. Moroccan fans accompanied their players into Saturday night to pick up the trophy of the CAN U23. A 2-1 victory over Egypt at the end of the suspense was savored by the ecstatic fans.
“Great win. It’s really incredible, a new experience, a great experience. There was a lot of stress, but in the end, it’s an incredible experience.
“I’m very happy for Morocco. After the women, the men, everything, even the little ones and even the babies, please God”.
Indeed, Moroccan fans can be carried away by euphoria, so much so that their team suffered against the clinging Egyptians. Pushed to the limit, the Cubs had to use forceps to win 2-1 after extra time. A dream night for a whole country.
Things had got off to a bad start for their team, who were surprised by a goal from Mahmoud Hassan. But the Cubs came back first through Yannis Bagraoui before Oussama Targhalline’s liberating goal in extra time.
“We’re very happy, long live Morocco. We knew…” “My brother had said that Morocco would win, and it finally came true. Dima Maghreb”.
Our correspondent Wahany Sambo reports that “the Under-23 African Cup comes to a close with a fine victory for Morocco. The Moroccans beat the Egyptians by 2 goals to 1. A very fine final, but the Egyptians can console themselves with a place at the Olympic Games. Along with Mali, they will be Africa’s third representative at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Wahany: I’m with a Moroccan supporter. “Sir, how do you feel about Morocco’s victory?
Moroccan fan: “Very, very happy, especially as the match was very difficult, and in the end, it was a great victory. If you saw the atmosphere, it was beautiful, so we can only be happy.”
Wahany: “Congratulations in any case. The Moroccan fans are over the moon after this great victory. I’m Wahany Johnson SAMBOU, special correspondent in Rabat for Africanews.
Ons Jabeur aims to make history at Wimbledon
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP or licensors
Professional tennis player Ons Jabeur is hoping to return to Wimbledon determined to finish what she started last year and take her already exceptional career to new heights.
Jabeur took the first set in last year’s final before Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina rallied to win in three, denying the Tunisian a first Grand Slam crown.
“Always prepared as much as I can to be a hundred per cent ready. The first rounds are very tough, so I take one day at a time. I have been having good practices and good hits, and hopefully this level continues during the matches,” shares Jabeur.
The Tunisian is looking to become the first African and the first Arab to win a Grand Slam title, after reaching the final in London last year.
Jabeur also is aware that she is an inspiration for a lot of talented young players from her country and her continent.
“I always talk in my interviews that I want to inspire more and more generations from my country, from my continent. I believe we have a lot of talented players. It is a shame not to see them here at Grand Slams, in Wimbledon. I know that they dream about it, so hopefully I can share more my experience and give them some advice if they want to be professional tennis players. I have a little experience so maybe it can help them. I believe that nothing comes easily. In the beauty of things that comes, there is a little bit of struggle in it, and I believe that you enjoy it more,” explains the 29 year old.
This year, Jabeur lost in the second round at Melbourne Park in January and struggled with injuries for much of the season.
She returned to an interesting level at Roland Garros but stopped short of the quarterfinals.
WRC Safari Rally kicks of in Kenya
AFP
Kenya’s President William Ruto graced the World Rally Championship Safari Rally on Wednesday in Naivasha as this year’s contest shifted to top gears.
Kalle Rovanpera set the pace in Wednesday’s shakedown for the WRC Rally Safari Kenya, where the flying Finn will be looking to extend his championship lead.
Thierry Neuville became the fifth winner across this season’s six rallies at the previous round in Italy, trimming defending champion Rovanpera’s advantage to 25 points ahead of the Rally Safari Kenya – the midpoint in the 13-round season.
Rovanpera, who won this round last year on the way to a maiden WRC title, went fastest with the second of his three shakedown runs by Lake Naivasha with a time of three minutes, 32.4 seconds.
Ott Tanak was one-and-a-half seconds off the pace in second place, with Sebastien Ogier third and Neuville fourth fastest over an undulating and testing gravel course.
Additional sources • AP
AFCON 2024: Kelechi Iheanacho seals Nigeria’s qualification
PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP or licensors
Nigeria qualified for the next AFCON by beating Sierra Leone 3-2 on Sunday thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s 95th minute goal, while Tanzania held on for a crucial home win over Niger despite a bizarre late incident when the referee sent off the Tanzanian ball boys for interfering with the ongoing game.
In Tanzania, the ball boys threw numerous balls onto the pitch on at least two occasions, forcing the referee to stop play as Niger launched late attacks in search of an equalizer.
There were at least four balls on the pitch at one point when Niger launched one of their attacks, leading Egyptian referee Mohamed Al Sayd to lose patience and walk over to the ball boys on the touchline to order them off the pitch.
Nevertheless, Tanzania managed to win 1–0 thanks to a 69th-minute goal from Saimon Msuva, which puts them in position to qualify from Group F behind Algeria, who has already booked their place at the 2024 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Tanzania needs a point from Algeria on the final day of the qualifiers in September to make second place in the group ahead of East African rival Uganda.
Algeria beat Uganda 2-1 on Sunday thanks to winger Mohamed El Amine Amoura.
The Nigerian Eagles were well on the path to victory over Sierra Leone after Victor Osimhen scored twice within 32 minutes, putting the Napoli striker within the same category as Sadio Mané, both top of the qualifying scoring charts with five goals.
Sierra Leone narrowed the gap before half-time, however, and levelled the scores in the 84th minute through Augustus Kargbo.
With around 55 seconds remaining, Nigerian left-back Zaidu Sanusi broke through the defense and crossed for Leicester’s Iheanacho, who’s goal sealed the Super Eagles qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.
Guinea-Bissau also qualified from Group A alongside Nigeria.
Mané’s Senegal, World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Egypt and Algeria all qualified, with Egypt securing their place last week by beating Guinea 2-1. Morocco, meanwhile, lost 2-1 in South Africa last Saturday, although both teams had already qualified.
Cameroon, five-time African champions, and Ghana, four-time African champions, are the two biggest teams yet to book their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire. The fate of the Indomitable Lions will be decided in a home match against Burundi in September, by which time the Cameroonians could have dropped to third place in their group.
Ghana was held to a 0-0 draw in Madagascar on Sunday, while a win would have put them in third place.
They now need at least a home draw against the Central African Republic in their final qualifier. Ghana tops Group E, but only two points separate them from second-placed Angola and third-placed Central African Republic.
Central African Republic hopes for first AFCON qualification squashed
AFP
In the capital Bangui, football enthusiasts gathered on Saturday to watch a football match between Central African Republic (CAR) and Angola, with the dream of a first qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
With the “home” match relocated to Douala in Cameroon, most of them were not satisfied with the play, although hope was restored at the start of the second half when captain Geoffrey Kondogbia scored the equalizer.
“The players gave their all, they got the job done but unfortunately that’s the way it was. All we can say is well done! We can only applaud them and keep up the good work, because perhaps in the near future, the country will qualify for the finals,” said Chris Yarafa Rousseau, a CAR Supporter.
The Central African team’s hopes were later dashed away after their goalkeeper Dominique Youfeigane was sent off and replaced by Alladum Kolimba who also did not manage to keep the goalpost secure.
“If you look at the game, it’s a defensive problem, the goalkeeper didn’t know how to control his area. We’re not giving up hope, we know that in the next few years, CAR could qualify for the CAN. We’re not giving up hope. Allez les Fauves, allez les Fauves, allez Fauves,” said Prince Bissa, a supporter.
Now in third place behind Ghana and Angola, Les Fauves no longer have their fate in their own hands ahead of the final matchday in September.