Russia 2018 African Spotlight

Published: May 31, 2018

When it comes to the World Cup, African nations have brought a vibrant and colourful aspect to the tournament.

From the stars of World Cups gone by such as Gheorge Hagi, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Samuel Eto’o, to the vuvuzelas of South Africa in 2010, Africa has always had a part to play in the tournament.

Here, we take a look at the nations representing Africa in this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Egypt

History: Famed for its pyramids, the river Nile and more recently, Premier League golden boot winner and record breaker Mohamed Salah, Egypt were the first African country to ever qualify for a World Cup, way back in 1934, but the Pharaohs had a long wait until their next appearance, which came in 1990, and have since failed to qualify for the World Cup, until now.

Egypt have never progressed past the group stages of the competition and have only mustered 3 goals in their two appearances so far but they go into this World Cup with their highest ever FIFA world ranking of 46th.

Qualification: Egypt qualified for the finals with a game to spare after a dramatic 94th minute penalty was calmly slotted home by the talismanic Salah in a 2-1 victory over Congo, to the delight of the thousands of adoring Egyptians in the crowd.

Coach: Hector Cuper.

Cuper took charge of Egypt in 2015 and the Argentinian led them to the final of the African Cup of Nations in 2017.

Group: In group A, The Egyptians face two tough tests in Uruguay and hosts Russia but should have enough to beat Saudi Arabia.

If they manage to get any points on the board against the aforementioned teams and a result against the Saudi’s then if other results in the group go their way they could make history and progress to the knockout stages.

All eyes will be on Mo Salah to see how he performs on the biggest stage.

Morocco

History: One of the most successful of the African teams to qualify with four previous qualifications, the Moroccans have a colourful history at the finals and reached the round of 16 in 1986.

Since that achievement however, they have failed to qualify since 1998. Ranked 42nd in the world, the Atlas Lions will go into this tournament with a view to progressing even further this time.

Qualification: Morocco went into their final game needing at least a draw to see them qualify and went one better with a 2-0 victory in the Ivory Coast to seal their place at the tournament and end

Coach: Herve Renard.

Renard has vast international experience and holds the record for being the only manager to win two African Cup of Nations with two different sides, Zambia in 2012 and the Ivory Coast in 2015.

He will dream of adding a World Cup to that trophy cabinet.

Group: Morocco will more than likely need a miracle to progress from group B. European giants Portugal and Spain are favourites to go through, according to the World Cup 2018 odds from Betfair.

Iran fill the final place in the group and should be an easy win for the Africans.

Captain Medhi Benatia will bring an experienced and calming aspect to the team in their efforts to attain the unlikely outcome of progression to the knockout stages.

Nigeria

History: The Nigerians have the most experience out of the African sides, having made five previous appearances, in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014.

They have made it to the knockout stages twice and have always brought a no-nonsense style of football to the tournament. Currently ranked 47th in the FIFA world rankings, the Super Eagles will hope to rise up the ladder with a good showing at the finals.

Qualification: Nigeria topped their qualifying group unbeaten and sealed their place in the finals with a 1-0 win over Zambia, Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi scoring the goal.

Coach: Gernot Rohr.

In Rohr, Nigeria arguably have the most experienced coach of the African contingent.

He revived the fortunes of The Super Eagles when he took charge in 2016 after spells with Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Group: A tough group awaits Nigeria in Group D. Favourites to progress will be Argentina and Croatia, and the other side in the group, Iceland will also pose a stern test after shining at Euro 2016.

Nigeria will hope that the likes of Victor Moses, Jon Obi Mikel and Alex Iwobi are on top form and the Super Eagles know they will have to be at their very best in every game to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

Senegal

History: Senegal will be participating in only their second ever World Cup. Despite their lack of World Cup experience, the Lions of Teranga were the surprise package of the 2002 tournament, reaching the last eight in their only appearance to date.

They are the second highest ranked of the African sides at 27th in the official FIFA world rankings.

Their eye catching kit and emerging crop of talent should bring some flair to Russia.

Qualification: Senegal sealed their place at the finals with a 2-1 victory over South Africa, capping an unbeaten campaign which was only blighted by draws with Burkina Faso in both matches and only conceding 3 goals in the process.

Coach: Aliou Cisse.

Cisse has World Cup experience as a player, having captained his historic Senegalese side in the 2002 tournament and has impressed since he took the role of manager in 2015.

He will be hoping the likes of Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane can fire Senegal to another impressive showing on the biggest stage in football.

Group: Senegal have a real chance of progressing from Group H, where they are matched with Poland, Japan and Colombia.

In what is expected to be a fairly open group, Senegal would be good for tips on the FIFA World Cup, provided their stars perform at their best.

Tunisia

History: Tunisia hold the record of being the first African team to win a World Cup game, when, in their debut in the tournament, they beat Mexico 3-1 in 1978.

The Eagles of Carthage have qualified for their first World Cup in 12 years, having previously appeared four times in total, in 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006. They have never gotten further than the group phase in any of those showings.

Somewhat surprisingly, Tunisia are currently ranked 14th in the world, the highest of all the African nations taking part.

Qualification: Qualifying unbeaten in an exciting campaign, the Tunisians saw off a close challenge from Congo to finish top of their group and reach their fifth tournament.

Coach: Nabil Maaloul.

Maaloul was a tough tackling midfielder in his day and won 74 caps for Tunisia as a player. He returned for his third stint as manager in 2017 after three years as head coach of Kuwait.

Group: Tunisia are in Group G, with Panama, Belgium and England.

Belgium and England will surely be battling for top spot but Tunisia will know that if they meet expectations and beat Panama, they could need just one more point if other results go their way, to make history and reach the knockout stages for the first time.

David Hay