Four years in the past Africa was left with no consultant within the World Cup final 16 for the primary time because the spherical was launched in 1986, however the response has been emphatic in Qatar.
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The 2022 event has seen two teams from the continent attain the knockout part for under the second time – after Algeria and Nigeria in 2014.
African nations have additionally taken a record-breaking 24 factors within the group stage, smashing the earlier better of 15 factors in 1998.
Morocco beat the world’s second-ranked facet Belgium and Canada en path to the highest of Group F, whereas Senegal bounced back from a gap defeat by the Netherlands to document wins over Qatar and Ecuador.
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Brazil have been overwhelmed by an African staff for the primary time with a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon, who exited the event in glory.
For Morocco, their conflict with Spain subsequent Tuesday can be a primary look within the knockout stage for 36 years.
Their followers will flip up of their 1000’s once more to cheer on the one remaining Arab nation within the World Cup.
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“We hope to fly the flag of African football high,” stated Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
“Often we’ve been described as being sub-par, inferior to elsewhere.
“But I feel at this World Cup we’re exhibiting we can provide some other staff a run for his or her cash, whether or not they be European teams or South American teams.
“I hope in the future this means we’ll be seeing more African teams do well at the World Cup and why not an African champion?”
The 2026 World Cup within the United States, Canada and Mexico will contain extra African nations than ever earlier than, with the event set to develop from 32 to 48 teams.
First African World Cup semi-finalists?
If it doesn’t occur this 12 months, Africa can be anticipating its first World Cup semi-finalists sooner fairly than later.
Senegal have been the closest to getting previous the group stage in Russia in 2018, lacking out by advantage of getting extra yellow playing cards than Japan.
But they banished these reminiscences when Kalidou Koulibaly volleyed them to victory towards Ecuador, after saying they have been impressed by Morocco’s win over Belgium.
“We saw what Morocco did. They had a beautiful win over Belgium,” stated Senegal coach Aliou Cisse.
“Yes, it can be a source of inspiration for us.”
The sides that went out within the group stage nonetheless made a mark on the event.
Tunisia claimed a well-known 1-0 win over holders France and Cameroon ended an eight-match dropping streak on the World Cup with an exhilarating comeback to attract 3-3 with Serbia earlier than beating five-time winners Brazil.
More and extra African gamers are starring at high European golf equipment. Even with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane absent from this World Cup, the dividends of which can be clear to see.
European teams have received every of the previous 4 World Cups and no facet from outdoors Europe or South America has ever even reached the ultimate.
“You have to be strong for your first match against a European team because European teams are our foes when it comes to these events,” added Regragui.
“We have players who play for European clubs… We need to take the European mindset and make it our mindset.”
The closest an African staff has come to creating the semi-finals was Ghana in 2010, when Luis Suarez’s handball and the ensuing missed penalty by Asamoah Gyan led to a shootout defeat in South Africa.
‘Hopeful’
The Black Stars couldn’t avenge that heartbreak on Friday, as Andre Ayew’s missed penalty at 0-0 was historical past repeating itself historical past and proved expensive in a 2-0 defeat.
But Ghana have been at the very least comfortable to knock Uruguay out and ship South Korea by means of.
“For me, yes (It was good to knock Uruguay out),” stated midfielder Daniel Amartey.
“It was robust as a result of you’ll be able to see their centre-back, all people comes (ahead).
“Uruguay needed one goal to go through.”
There is an extended solution to go, however for the second time, Africa has two hopeful nations which can be three wins away from the ultimate.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
