The 2022 FIFA World Cup is in full swing in Qatar after four days of action. Away from the attention on the big guns, there is a focus on African participants at the Mundial.
Africa holds an interest in the tournament as no team from the continent has been able to go past the quarter-finals.
There’s a bit of eagerness to see the jinx broken in Qatar but it’s been a less-than-ideal start for some of the five African representatives.
So far, Senegal,Tunisia and Morocco have played but neither has been able to find the back of the net.
In the Terenga Lions’ first match against the Netherlands, they were very resolute without injured talisman Sadio Mane.
Indeed, they had more shots on target (4) than the Dutch (3) but they were held back by the solid Andries Noppert – who made four saves – between the sticks for the Oranje.
They also had more successful long balls (26) and crosses (8) but it all led to nothing. In the end, two late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen made Aliou Cisse’s men made their quest to make it to the Round of 16 a little harder.
In Tunisia’s first match against Denmark, the Carthage Eagles had more total shots (13) than the Danes (11). However, just one was on target compared to their opponent’s five shots.
It was shots off target (5) and blocked shots (7) that the North African giants recorded more. Clearly, those were inconsequential and a sign of wasted opportunities.
On Wednesday morning, Morocco took on 1998 and 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia at Al Bayt Stadium but it was another drab affair as it ended goalless.
The Atlas Lions had more total shots (8) than the Croatians (5). Both sides had two shots on target each but it was blocked shots (6) that made up the bulk of the Moroccans’ shots.
Only the Senegalese had better stats among the three African teams to have played so far but their profligacy in front of goal could be their biggest undoing if they do not adjust and ensure they are more sharper and clinical.
Tunisia and Morocco’s results are not that bad either, considering the tough opponents they faced but they still have it all to do against the likes of France and Belgium respectively.
Senegal should be able to get the better of hosts Qatar in their next match but that is easier said than done when one considers that Saudi Arabia earned an unexpected 2-1 victory against one of World Cup favourites in Argentina.
Speaking of that match in Lusail, the Albiceleste had three goals chalked off for offside in the first-half and while they wasted many other opportunities, the Falcons of Saudi Arabia took their rare chances and put them in the back of the net.
That is the kind of character African teams must have if any chance of making it past the group phase is to be a reality, talkless of a record-breaking semi-final appearance.
Cameroon and Ghana are the two African teams yet to play their opening round of games and their fixtures are not going to be any easy as they tackle Switzerland and Portugal respectively.
African representatives have not gone without scoring at least a goal in their first World Cup group matches collectively.
The onus is, therefore, on the Indomitable Lions and Black Stars to avoid what will be a disappointing record for the African continent.
Hopefully, it will not just be about scoring but also about getting good results as well.
