Africa’s challenge at the FIFA World Cup has entered a dramatic new phase. Eight nations have now been eliminated, leaving only Morocco and Egypt with a chance of extending the continent’s journey.
The tournament began with 10 African representatives, but the knockout rounds have steadily reduced that number. Every match now carries even greater significance as Africa’s hopes rest on just two teams.
MOROCCO AND EGYPT KEEP AFRICA’S FIFA WORLD CUP DREAM ALIVE
Morocco continue to lead Africa’s charge after beating the Netherlands on penalties to set up a Round of 16 clash with Canada.
Egypt joined them after edging Australia 4-2 on penalties following a gripping 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs the perfect start with a superb 13th-minute header before Australia equalised through an unfortunate Mohamed Hany own goal under pressure from Harry Souttar.
The match went to penalties, where Egypt were flawless. Mohamed Salah even converted a cheeky Panenka as the Pharaohs scored all four of their spot-kicks, while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for the Socceroos.
CAPE VERDE AND GHANA SUFFER HEARTBREAK
Africa’s hopes suffered another blow as Cape Verde were edged 3-2 after extra time by defending champions Argentina.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Deroy Duarte equalised in the second half. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning long-range strike to level the match again. The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges sent Argentina through.
Ghana also bowed out after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute after a brilliant assist from Luis Suárez, forcing Ghana to abandon their disciplined defensive approach much earlier than planned. Antoine Semenyo threatened down the wing, but the Black Stars struggled to commit enough numbers forward to trouble Colombia’s well-organised defence.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced seven outstanding saves to keep Ghana in the contest, but Colombia held on to book a Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver.
EIGHT AFRICAN NATIONS HAVE NOW EXITED
The tournament has delivered plenty of heartbreak for African supporters.
Tunisia were the first side to exit after the group stage, while South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Cape Verde and Ghana have all followed in the round of 32.
Some of those exits were especially painful. South Africa lost narrowly to Canada, DR Congo surrendered an early lead against England, while Senegal let a two-goal advantage slip before losing to Belgium after extra time.
With only Morocco and Egypt still standing, the continent’s hopes now rest on two nations as Africa continues its quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup title.
