This weekend, Women’s World U-17: Four duels, four dreams
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
They are eight. Eight selections, eight stories, eight hopes to meet next October on Moroccan lawns of the FIFA women’s U-17 World Cup. This weekend, between Ndola, Abidjan, Nairobi and Ikenne, women Africa plays its last qualifying lap. And each poster has its own weight, its own tension.
Zambia – Benin: Ndola, theater of a first
Stade Levy Mwanawasa, April 19 at 1 p.m. GMT
Zambia continues its progress. A quarter finalist at the last U-17 female World Cup in the Dominican Republic, the Zambian selection is now advancing with a completely different status. More mature, safer of her forces, she hopes to validate, in Ndola, her rise in power on the continental scene. Under the leadership of a supervision which bet on continuity, the copper princesses want to take a clear option from the outward journey. At home, in a levy mwanawas stadium acquired in their cause, pressure will not be a problem. The challenge, yes: do not be trapped by enthusiasm.
Opposite, Benin embodies the ambitious outsider. Courageous, disciplined, opportunistic, the Beninese eliminated Mali in the previous round in general indifference. From now on, they advance with certainty that a new feat is possible. In impact as in verticality, they know how to be dangerous. The challenge will be mental: contain the Zambian waves and strike just. If they leave Ndola with an open score, everything will still be possible on the return.
Nigeria – Algeria: high altitude duel
Remo Star Stadium, April 19 at 3 p.m. GMT
A quarter finalist of the last female World Cup, the Flamingos tackle this double confrontation in boss. At home, in a stadium they know by heart, they will try to take an option when they go. The objective is clear: to avoid any suspense in return and to assert their reference status on the continent. With a full frame, a fluid style and a collective mastery acquired internationally, Nigeria is expected. But he moves forward without trembling.
Algeria, for its part, presents itself without complex. Less structured, certainly, but full of envy. This generation, still under construction, is progressing quickly. She knows that the challenge is immense. But she wants to make it an opportunity. Far from her bases, with few certainties, she will play on her strengths: audacity, verticality, and relentless fighting spirit.
Kenya – Cameroon: two visions, a shock
Nyayo National Stadium, April 20 at 12 noon GMT
Another come to the hierarchy of African women’s football, Kenya invites himself to the banquet with the insolence of youth. The U-17 Harambee Starlets, carried by a wind of hope, seduced during the previous towers. Widely supported by their audience at the National Stadium Nyayo, they want to believe in their star. The energy is there, the passion too. But facing Cameroon, carelessness will not be enough. It will take composure, technical accuracy, and above all a strong time management as weak time.
Cameroon does not have the luxury of improvisation. Nation installed in the continental landscape, he knows that these matches are often traps. The preparation was rigorous, the methodical approach. Lionesses are expected from a physical commitment, a territorial hold, and clinical efficiency. The danger is identified: do not underestimate an opponent without a past but full of present. Nairobi wants to write the story, Yaoundé wants to avoid the hitch.
Ivory Coast – Guinea: derby under tension in Abidjan
Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, April 20 at 6 p.m. GMT
On the lawn of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium, the poster has everything of an electric regional shock. Ivory Coast – Guinea. Two neighboring countries, two recovery projects, two different styles. The young elephants, galvanized by the context, intend to impose their rhythm from the first minutes. For several months, the Ivorian U-17 selection has been working in silence but with seriousness. At home, the team has the opportunity to hit hard, in front of an audience who found faith in his youth.
Guinea remains unpredictable. By sequences, she can hurt. Very bad. With quick players and an effective transition game, the Guinean selection flourishes in the shade. Less awaited, less exposed, it can draw a force. The key will be to contain the emotional impact of the first leg, and stay alive for the return to Conakry. In Abidjan, the atmosphere promises to be burning. It will take composure, and a lot of lucidity.
