One of the most repeated quotes in football is Pele’s claim that an African team will win the World Cup by the end of the millennium.
The turn of the millennium has come and gone, and the wait is still on for a team from the continent to lay their hands on football’s ultimate prize.
AFRICA AND THE WORLD CUP
Africa was part of the early history of the World Cup with Egypt featuring in the second ever tournament in 1934. However, they had to wait until Argentina in 1978 for their first win as Tunisia came from behind to claim a 3-1 victory over Mexico in a group stage fixture.
There was another lengthy wait for a significant stride in the World Cup as Cameroon impressed at Italia 90.
Driven by Roger Milla, the Indomitable Lions beat the likes of Romania and Colombia on their way to the quarter-final where they lost to England.
That performance from Cameroon appeared to open the floodgates for African teams at the global showpiece. The Super Eagles of Nigeria entertained on their way to round of 16 finishes at USA 94 and France 98
There appears to be a quarter-final block with African teams as no side has ever reached the semi-final of the World Cup. Following Cameroon were Senegal and Ghana who both reached the last eight in Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010.
The 2010 World Cup was the first and only time Africa hosted the World Cup, and it was also the closest a team from the continent has come to progressing beyond the quarterfinals. The Black Stars of Ghana were only inches away from beating Uruguay and reaching the last four but were foiled by that infamous handball from Luis Suarez and then the woodwork.
Africa endured their worst ever World Cup campaign at the 2018 tournament in Russia. None of the representatives progressed from the group stage while teams like Morocco and Egypt failed to win a single game.
RENEWED OPTIMISM
Despite the disappointment in 2018, there is still plenty of optimism that Africa is inching closer to her first ever World Cup triumph. Football on the continent has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years as there are more players playing top flight football in elite leagues across the world than ever before.
More African stars are also getting into the final shortlists for major international awards. Players like Sadio Mane have played pivotal roles in the recent success of their club sides, and will be looking to carry that experience into the national team.
As we head into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, one question is being asked: is it finally Africa’s time? Will a team from the continent finally fulfill Pele’s prophecy?
AFRICA AT THE QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP
Of all of Africa’s representatives at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Senegal are the least experienced and will be making only their third appearance at the tournament. However, they have impressed in their two previous appearances, reaching the quarterfinals in 2002 and only missing the knockout stage in 2018 due to the fair play rule.
The Teranga Lions appear to be Africa’s brightest prospect heading into Qatar.
If you are a betting man, you will have noticed that most of the top football betting apps have picked them as the clear favorites to win if the trophy indeed comes to Africa.
They are the current AFCON holders, the number one ranked team on the continent and boast some of the best players in the world like Mane, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Other African countries have their strong points like Cameroon with the experience of seven previous World Cups behind them while Ghana have come closest to reaching the last four.
North Africans, Morocco and Tunisia are always entertaining and can claim a few scalps in Qatar.
Another reason for optimism is that a lot of the big teams are struggling to find their rhythm at the moment. Defending champions France appear to be going through an internal crisis in the build up to the World Cup while the likes of Spain, Portugal, England and Germany have all flattered to deceive lately.
Yes, traditional powerhouses Brazil and Argentina are still in the picture and are playing well at the moment. However, with most of the other big guns struggling as the Mundial draws close, Africa could be poised to capitalize in Qatar.
THE BOTTOMLINE
Football continues to develop in Africa, although there are still a few hampering factors like a lack of infrastructure. What is not in question is that the continent has come a long way in her standing in the world of football.
Whether it comes in Qatar or the North American tournament in 2026, one thing is certain, Africa could be on the cusp of great things in football’s global showpiece.
