Lions of Teranga carry the hopes of millions in Africa
West Africans keen to replicate 2002 World Cup run
Sochi – Senegal are proving to be Africa’s saving grace at the World Cup.
Their win over Poland on Tuesday was a rare bright moment among six defeats out of six for the continent’s other representatives in Russia.
After Nigeria and Algeria reached the knockout phase four years ago, following Ghana’s run to the quarterfinals in 2010, it looks like 2018 will be a step backwards for Africa on the biggest stage.
Egypt and Morocco are already eliminated.
Following all the excitement surrounding their first appearance at the finals since 1990, the Pharaohs have been knocked out after just a week of competition.
Hector Cuper’s side have been hampered by Mohamed Salah coming into the tournament with a shoulder injury.
He played no part in the 1-0 defeat against Uruguay.
On Tuesday, Salah was back but unable to prevent Egypt from losing 3-1 to Russia.
Herve Renard’s Morocco did not concede a single goal in their final qualifying group.
Despite two encouraging displays against Iran and Portugal, the Atlas Lions have no goals and no points.
Yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo’s early header gave Portugal a 1-0 victory and Morocco’s second half onslaught was in vain.
“We qualified for a World Cup after 20 years of absence and we showed that we can play football,” said Renard.
Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles were poor as they started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Croatia in a difficult group.
“Sometimes we were a little bit naive on set pieces but we will work on it,” said Rohr.
Having seen their fellow Africans toil, Senegal did their bit by battling to a 2-1 win over Poland on Tuesday.
The Lions of Teranga are now dreaming of a repeat of their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.
“Of course we represent our country but I can also guarantee that the whole of Africa is supporting us,” said Senegal coach Aliou Cisse.–