As the Super Falcons hope for ‘La Décima’ – 10^th record extension win in Morocco, they will first have to scale three group opponents. Below are the first opponents before largely and likely quarter-finals duel en route the final match.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana

They are 57^th ranked in the world as against Nigeria’s 39^th position and first in Africa. 

They qualified for Morocco 2022 by making a perfect start to their journey with a 12-0 aggregate thrashing of COSAFA counterparts Mozambique in October. Five months later, they edged North African side Algeria 3-1 on aggregate to nick their 12th qualification ticket.

The four-time runners-up began preparation for the finals, with a friendly against the Netherlands in April. Despite losing 5-1 to the European champions, they exposed some domestic players and will converge again in June for the finals

Their coach, the 59 year old Desiree Ellis made history in 2018 when she guided Banyana Banyana to their fourth WAFCON final and the Women’s World Cup for the first time. The two-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year will set her sights on breaking the African title jinx, after beating Nigeria to win the 2021 Aisah Buhari Cup.

The key players of Bayana Bayana include Janine Van Wyk. The 35-year-old is the most capped South Africa player, with over 170 appearances with the country.

She is back as a player-coach at her owned club JVW FC, having left Scottish side Glasgow City. With two silvers in six WAFCONs, Van Wyk will now aim to provide the much-needed leadership to win the first title on her seventh appearance.

There is also Thembi Kgatlana. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tournament at the Ghana 2018 WAFCON where she won the Player of the Tournament and Topscorer awards.

She scored the 86^th minute goal with which South Africa beat Nigeria in the opening match of the 2018 edition. She also made history as she scored Banyana Banyana’s first goal at the Women’s World Cup. The Atletico Madrid striker will aim to replicate her 2018 form in Banyana’s maiden African crown hunt.

Jermaine Seoposenwe is another player to watch. She is one of Banyana Banyana’s best performers abroad following her exploits with Sporting Braga this season. The 28-year-old has been influential in Braga’s Portuguese Women’s League Cup triumph and Women’s Cup semifinal finish, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. Despite her three-year absence from Banyana’s fold, her superb puts her in good stead to inspire the COSAFA giants.

Burundi‘s Swallows

When the Super Falcons line out against Swallows of Burundi,  on 10 July, it will be the first ever encounter of both teams. Falcons will attempt to swallow the Swallows who are unranked in the FIFA ratings.

They however have incredible journey to Morocco 2022 after a dream start of 6-0 defeat of Eritrea last October.  They followed up their fine start with a convincing second round 11-1 bashing of Djibouti to earn a maiden ticket.

Their coach, Gustave Niyonkuru has been overseeing the transition of women’s players, from the U20s to the senior level since 2019. Having guided the team to a historic WAFCON berth, his next task will be leading the nation to a maiden success.

Among the players to watch is Joelle Bukuru The midfielder starred for Swallows at the 2019 CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, where they finished fourth. The 23-year-old, who currently championing Simba’s title hunt in Tanzania, will be one of the Burundians to keep an eye out for at the 12-nation event.

Another player of note is Rukiya Bizimana.The Etoile Du Matin forward was a huge bargain during the qualifying series, notably scoring four goals in two-legged triumphs over Djibouti in February. Her scoring exploits will offer huge prospect for debutant East African nation.

Botswana‘s The Mares

Botswana’s The Mares are currently ranked 154 in the world and number 29 in Africa.

On the road to Morocco 2022, The Mares brushed aside COSAFA rivals Angola 7-1 on aggregate in the first round before clinching their maiden qualification on away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate score against Zimbabwe.

Botswana have began preparation domestically for the WAFCON finals, having held their one of their series of camps from April 2 to 14.

The 2020 COSAFA finalists are relying mostly on domestic players, especially from Double Action to excel at the continent showpiece.

The former Double Action captain has long been supervising the remodeling of the Mares as coach and validated her credentials with the team’s historic qualification to the WAFCON finals, where she will hope to make another mark.

Lesego Radiakanyo is the main player of the squad. The Double Action midfielder played a crucial role in the team’s qualification campaign, scoring four goals in four matches. The 22-year-old is clearly one to keep an eye out for when the Mares take to the continent in July.

Another player of note is Thuto Ramafifi. The 30-year-old, fondly called Queen of Goals, scored the winner at home when the Mares pipped Angola 2-0.

The former Double Action and New Endeavours striker, who is on a scholarship in the US, will be poised to bring her exposure and experience to bear at the WAFCON finals.

Refilwe Tholakele, The Mares’ striker cannot be ignored.  She has consistently provided a good leadership in almost a decade and being a huge bargain in the attack.

The 26-year-old, also made her mark during the qualifiers, scoring three goals in four matches and her presence will be a valuable asset for Botswana in Morocco.