Senegal, Togo, and Morocco did not qualify for the upcoming U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place from August 19 to September 8 in Japan. However, these three countries will still be represented on the referee side. On the playing field, Nigeria and Ghana will carry the banner for the continent.
Heading the only African trio of referees is Fadouma Dia from Senegal, supported by Togolese Mana Dzodpe and Moroccan Souad Oulhaj. Expressing her excitement, the young Senegalese referee mentioned that it will be a valuable experience, marking her first participation in such a competition.
Out of the 16 teams participating in the tournament, Ghana and Nigeria emerge as the representatives of African women’s football. Nigeria’s Falconets secured their place in the final phase by defeating DR Congo 3-0 in the return match, leading to a cumulative 7-0 victory. The initial leg saw Nigerians triumphing at home with a 4-0 score. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Princesses comfortably triumphed over Tunisia 7-2 across both legs, with Ghana securing a 3-1 win in the first leg in Tunis.
Despite their success, the draw for the competition has presented challenges for both African representatives. Nigeria finds itself in Group B alongside Brazil, Italy, and Korea, posing a formidable test for the Falconets to progress. Similarly, Ghana faces tough competition in Group alongside reigning champions Germany, the United States of America, and China – all formidable nations in women’s football.
It’s worth recalling that Ghana and Nigeria previously represented Africa in the 2010 final tournament held in Germany. Nigeria achieved a second-place finish, whereas Ghana, unfortunately, failed to advance beyond the first round, managing a defeat, a draw, and a lone victory in their matches.
