The identity of the teams that Banyana Banyana will face in their group at next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup were finally revealed after the tournament draw was held in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday.
Banyana Desiree Ellis was present in the room as Sweden, Italy and Argentina were revealed to be the reigning African champions’ opponents in Group G.
The CAF Women’s Coach of the Year said she was happy with the draw as she prepares to take her charges to a second successive World Cup.
Banyana qualified by virtue of reaching the top four of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament earlier this year. They went on to lift the trophy, their first ever since readmission to the world sporting arena.
“Look, I think all the groups are tough, but I think it is a reasonable draw,” she said soon after the Sasol-sponsored Banyana’s opponents were confirmed.
“We have played against Sweden before, [but] we have not played Italy and Argentina. It could have been a tougher one, so we are happy with it.
“When it comes to Sweden, we have played against the Netherlands and they are similar. And with regards to Argentina, we have played against Brazil and they are similar. Italy are from the same continent as the Netherlands, but maybe they are different types of teams.
“Now the planning starts, the preparation starts, the analysing of the teams and making sure that we have as much information as we can, and also getting the right friendlies”.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Africa’s other representatives had contrasting fortunes during the draw.
Zambia were drawn against Costa Rica, Spain and Japan in Group C, Nigeria tackle Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Canada in Group B, while Morocco have Germany, Colombia and the Korea Republic to contend with in Group H.
As part of their preparations, Banyana have been playing tough friendly international matches. They played against Brazil and Australia and are hoping for more stronger opponents. – Safa.net
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