By Akpera Nase
As the ongoing FIFA World Cup gathers momentum, the Atlas Lions of Morocco have become the first African representatives to reach the knockout stages of the tournament. The North African football giants secured seven points and three goals as joint Group C top finishers behind Brazil on the same points but with an inferior goal difference.
Voicesports reports that another of the continent’s surprise qualifiers is Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who have also secured a round of 32 slot. After a shaky start, losing 0-2 to Mexico, holding Czechia to a 1-1 draw, and securing a decisive 1-0 victory over South Korea, they booked their place.
Last Thursday, Bafana Bafana made history certain when their mercurial striker, Thelapo Maseko’s 63rd-minute spectacular finish, sent the spectators at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe into a frenzy. The victory over the Asian giants secured South Africa’s place to advance in their campaign.
Soccer pundits described that memorable goal by the former apartheid enclave as shockwaves like the ancient goddess of the famous Ile-Ife in Western Nigeria. The Asian Tigers, ranked 25th in the world, were lost in the jungle after dominating play, but the South Africans stoutly curtailed their rampage.
Other African flagbearers also in contention for qualification to the next round include the Pharaohs of Egypt, who secured four points; the Desert Warriors of Algeria with three points; the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire also with three points; the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde with two points, the tiny West African island nation remains undefeated on their debut; and the Black Stars of Ghana with four points in their kitty. These countries have one outstanding match each that will decide their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
However, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, and DR Congo have already been shown the exit from the tournament due to their dismal outings at this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup.
