2020 U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: First round matches take place

The first leg of the opening round of qualifiers for the U17 World Cup India 2020 is set to kick off this Friday, marking the official start of the tournament’s qualifying phase. This round will also see the entry of South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria, who were exempt from the preliminary round due to their higher ranking and past performances in youth competitions. Their inclusion adds quality and competitive balance to the opening fixtures.

Zambia, having advanced automatically following Namibia’s withdrawal in the previous stage, will face South Africa in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup. Both teams will aim to assert dominance early, using the first-leg advantage to build momentum ahead of the return match in two weeks. The encounter is expected to showcase tactical discipline and individual skill, reflecting the growing talent in Southern Africa.

One of the highlight fixtures of this round is the clash between Nigeria and Guinea. Both teams have a strong youth football tradition, and this match is anticipated to be an intense battle. Nigeria, known for its pace and attacking flair, will test Guinea’s organization and defensive resilience, while the West African side will seek to capitalize on any opportunity to counterattack and secure a favorable first-leg result.

In East Africa, attention will be focused on the Tanzania-Uganda tie. This regional duel is likely to be closely monitored, as both sides possess emerging talent eager to make an impression on the continental stage. Fans from the region will be watching keenly to see which nation can gain an early advantage, with the return leg offering the opportunity to settle any unfinished business.

Other first-leg fixtures include Botswana versus Morocco, São Tomé and Príncipe against Cameroon, and Liberia facing Ghana. Each of these matches carries its own significance, providing a platform for young players to demonstrate their abilities and for teams to establish a strong foundation for qualification. Morocco, Cameroon, and Ghana are expected to leverage their experience and tactical knowledge to secure positive results in the opening leg, while Botswana, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Liberia will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to challenge the favorites.

Following this round, the qualifiers will progress toward determining the three teams that will earn a place at the U17 Women’s World Cup India 2020, scheduled from November 2 to 21. This stage of the competition is crucial for player development and offers valuable international experience for Africa’s youth players, providing exposure to different playing styles and competitive environments.

The return matches for the first leg will take place in two weeks, giving teams time to analyze their performances and make tactical adjustments. As the qualifiers unfold, anticipation builds for the emergence of Africa’s best young talent and the teams that will secure their spots on the global stage in India.

Program of first-leg matches:

• Zambia vs. South Africa

• Botswana vs. Morocco

• Tanzania vs. Uganda

• São Tomé and Príncipe vs. Cameroon

• Liberia vs. Ghana

• Guinea vs. Nigeria