World Cup: the sad beginnings of African selections

None of the five African teams involved in the World Cup has won. But for some of them, everything is still possible.

Three defeats, only two goals scored for six goals conceded. All in all, two small points. The results of this first week of the World Cup for the African selections are catastrophic. Samuel Eto'o, the former Indomitable Lion who became President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, shouted in vain before the start of the competition that the African teams were going to qualify for the last four, even for the final, the least we can say is that things got off to a bad start.

Without Sadio Mané, Senegal opened hostilities against the Netherlands on Monday for Africa. A defeat by two goals to nil which left a bitter taste. But it was, for the Lions of Teranga, the biggest piece of Group A: Qatar and Ecuador could be closer to the Senegalese national team, and nothing is lost yet.

For Tunisia, on the other hand, the task looks difficult: held in check by the Danes, in a goalless draw, the Eagles of Carthage will then meet France, easy winner of Australia, and therefore Australia. A qualification still seems within reach of the Tunisians, who will however have to remain serious.

Ghana not left behind, Morocco badly embarked

Morocco, on the other hand, was meeting the weakest team, on paper, in group F. Sofiane Boufal's teammates, still excellent, did no better than a draw against the Croats. While waiting for Belgium and Canada, Morocco has a lot to worry about. Because it is difficult to see the Moroccan selection walking in front of these two monsters.

Not very flamboyant, Cameroon were the penultimate African team to enter the arena at the World Cup. Result: defeat 2 to 0 against Switzerland, however uninspired. Against Brazil, it will be necessary to aim for a feat, while Serbia lost 2 to 0 also against Seleção.

Ghana sadly concluded this first day for the African selections. Admittedly, the suspense was there against Portugal with a Cristiano Ronaldo rebounded after having decided to break his contract with Manchester United. The Portuguese won their match 3 goals to 2. Uruguay and South Korea separated with a goalless draw. Ghana still has every chance.

The second day begins this Friday with the possibility, for Senegal, of returning to victory against the host country, Qatar.