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The 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup is scheduled to start on July 20 and end on August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Nigeria will be making their ninth appearance in the global competition and they will be joined by African champions South Africa - who will be playing in the tournament for just the second time. Morocco and Zambia are making their debut after an impressive 2022 Wafcon outing.GOAL takes a look at players who are expected to shine for their respective countries once the tournament starts.<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Oshoala, Banda, Kgatlana and the African superstars keen to set 2023 Women's World Cup alight

Banda hit the headlines after setting history in the 2020 Olympics in Japan whereby she became the first player in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament to score back-to-back hat-tricks. She <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/women-2023-world-cup-zambia-banda-eligible-to-play-after-wafcon-exclusion-fifa-bareman/bltce4cc570dece4bfd" target="_blank">controversially missed the 2022 Wafcon but she is cleared to play in the 2023 World Cup</a>. Zambia's hopes of leaving a mark lie on the 23-year-old's shoulders.

Barbra Banda - Zambia

The 28-year-old Super Falcons has won most titles at the club level, starting from top-tier leagues to Uefa Women's Champions League. She also played a crucial role in helping the Super Falcons win the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Wafcon. The best Nigeria have done is reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but with her experience, the Falcons can perform even better in this edition.

Asisat Oshoala - Nigeria

The Banyana Banyana attacker <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/2022-wafcon-kgatlana-banyana-banyana-silenced-tunisia-to-qualify-for-world-cup/blta1d474f2c8159d2b" target="_blank">had to go back home for surgery after rupturing her Achille tendon</a> in the group stage of the 2022 Wafcon. Banyana went on to win the competition without her services.However, the 27-year-old has fully healed and she is ready to lead the South Africans in the global tournament.

Thembi Kgatlana – South Africa

The 32-year-old played a crucial role in helping the Atlas Lionesses qualify for their maiden World Cup.She is good on the ball and has an eye for an assist and goal as well. With Chebbak fit, Morocco have an engine capable of ensuring all departments work effectively.Her ball control and supply will be crucial for the 2022 Wafcon finalists.

Ghizlane Chebbak – Morocco

Ajibade, commonly referred to as 'Rash', is another key player who can deliver for the Super Falcons.Since making her debut for the Falcons team way back in 2018, the Atletico Madrid player has been consistent. Having represented the country in all youth structures, Ajibade is part of the team's DNA and will be relied on heavily.

Rasheedat Ajibade - Nigeria

Motlhalo has been a hit for Banyana since making her debut in 2016 at just 17. Despite missing a crucial penalty in 2018 Wafcon, four years later she scored a crucial one to help Banyana go all the way to winning the biennial competition. With her eye for goal and undeniable talent, Motlhalo continues to dazzle and inspire on the football pitch.

Linda Motlhalo - South Africa

Oshoala, Banda, Kgatlana and the African superstars keen to set 2023 Women's World Cup alight | Goal.com Uganda

GOAL analyses key players for African teams ahead of the global competition set to kick off in the next couple of days.