The curtains have fallen on the 22nd edition of the World Cup. Argentina is crowned world champion for the third time in its history. For the first time, an African country has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Back to the results of the African teams in Qatar.
African teams have scored 21 goals in this World Cup and conceded 24, and for the first time since 2014, two African teams have qualified for the second round. Morocco, first in Group F, and Senegal, second in Pool A, have qualified for the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. And Morocco broke the glass ceiling reaching the semi-finals.
Morocco forever first
Morocco is the African satisfaction of this World Cup. The Atlas Lions have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup 2022, a first for an African country. They do better than in 1986 when they had stopped in the eighth final. Lodged in a raised group F, the Moroccans went out in head. They hung up on Croatia (0-0), dominated Belgium (2-0) and Canada (2-1). In the round of 16, they did not tremble against Spain and won on penalties (0-0, 3-0). They pass without problem the obstacle Portugal in the quarterfinals (1-0). The teammates of Hakim Ziyech, however, faced France in the semi-finals (2-0). They missed the podium in the small final against Croatia (2-1). Despite this fourth place, Morocco has succeeded in its World Cup. The Cherifian Kingdom is the African team having scored the most goals in this World Cup with six against five conceded. Tactically and technically, Morocco has lived up to expectations.
Azzedine Ounahi, the Moroccan revelation
Impressive in this World Cup, Azzedine Ounahi has increased his rating. The big clubs are jostling to acquire the services of the 22-year-old midfielder. Leicester is even ready to pay 45 million euros for this pure product of Moroccan soccer, who graduated from the Mouhamed VI academy in Rabat. The SCO of Angers should rub their hands this winter.
Senegal could do better
Twenty years later, Senegal has returned to the round of 16 of the World Cup. Without Sadio Mané, the African champions fell to the Netherlands (2-0), but recovered against Qatar (3-1). They made the break against Ecuador (2-1). The Lions finished second in the group behind the Netherlands. In the round of 16, they inherit England. The Three Lions inflict to Senegal its biggest defeat in a final phase of the World Cup (3-0). The quarter-finalist of the 2002 World Cup leaves the competition with seven goals conceded against five scored, with undoubtedly a taste of unfinished business.
Tunisia, still no 8th final
In six participations, Tunisia still does not manage to play the eighth final of the World Cup. The Eagles of Carthage stopped at the first round. Despite a nice victory against France in the group match (1-0), they stopped at the first round. After a draw against Denmark, Tunisia fell before Australia (1-0). This defeat has probably deprived him of a qualification to the second round. The tactics too cautious of Jalel Kadri, are the main cause, says the former captain of the selection Radhi Jaidi. “The way we managed the tournament was not good enough. In the first game against Denmark, if we pushed them a little higher and were more offensive, we could have won. Same thing for Australia. So, the conclusion for me is: it’s a good win (against France) for morale but, again, we need to review and reflect on ourselves and see how we can improve”.
After this elimination, Wahbi Khazri decided to retire with Tunisia. The 31-year-old striker arrived in the national team in 2013 and played five CAN and two World Cups with the Carthage Eagles. He is the second top scorer of the selection with 25 goals.
Vincent Aboubakar, the strong man of Cameroon
Cameroon was narrowly eliminated from the World Cup 2022. Like Tunisia, the Indomitable Lions finished third in their group with four points. Cameroon paid cash for its defeat at the beginning against Switzerland (1-0). Rigorbert Song’s men drew against Serbia (3-3) thanks to a goal and an assist from Vincent Aboubakar. The best was still to come for this Cameroonian selection. The five times African champions beat Brazil (1-0), thanks again to Aboubakar. The striker crucified the Seleção in the last minutes. A prestigious success that unfortunately does not allow Cameroon to play the second round.
The big disappointment of Ghana
Ghana is the great African disappointment of this group phase. The Blacks Stars did not manage to qualify for the second round. The Ghanaians had however beaten South Korea after an opening defeat against Portugal (3-2). The Ghanaians have missed their match against the teammates of Luis Suarez (2-0). Ghana fails to qualify for the second round for the second time in a row after 2014. Ghana has conceded at least two goals in its last matches in the World Cup. For this 22nd edition, Ghana is the African selection having conceded the most goals. The Black Stars have conceded seven.
In a press conference, Otto Addo announced his resignation. Appointed interim coach in February, Addo had his contract extended by the Ghana FA until the end of December. But the technician, who is also assistant manager at Borussia Dortmund, leaves the bench of the Black Stars.
