The black continent signed six victories and scored 18 goals against 17 conceded at the end of the first round of this World Cup. Senegal and Morocco have qualified for the round of 16. For the first time since 2014, two African teams will play the second round. The five world confederations will also be represented in the second round. A great first in the history of the competition.
Impeccable Morocco
Morocco is the African satisfaction of this first round of the 2022 World Cup. The Cherifian Kingdom became the second African country to finish at the top of its group since Nigeria who achieved this feat in 1998. Morocco had already achieved it in 1986 in a group composed of Poland, England and Portugal.
Undefeated, the Atlas Lions finished on top of a tough group F with 7 points. The Moroccans have made a good start in this World Cup, catching Croatia, vice-champion of the world (0-0). Walid Regragui's men are getting stronger in this competition. In the second match, they beat Belgium (2-0), semi-finalist of the last World Cup. They finish in beauty this group phase with a victory against Canada (2-1). The Moroccans reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time since 1986. They will face Spain in the round of 16 who qualified in extremis in group E.
Walid Regragui in "Kamikaze" mode
The Moroccan selection is undefeated since the arrival of Walid Regradui. The former coach of Wydad Casablanca has only spent three months on the bench of the Atlas Lions. But he is doing wonders. "The idea was to pass a milestone, to change the mentality in Morocco, not just to come and participate. I am really happy for the guys, they believed in the project while I landed like that, a little in Kamikaze mode. For the moment, his philosophy works wonderfully and the legend is on its way.
Senegal qualifies for the Round of 16 and dedicates it to Papa Bouba Diop
As in 2002, Senegal will play the second round of the World Cup 2022. African champions in title finished second of group A. Beaten at the beginning by the Netherlands (2-0), the men of Aliou Cissé have been able to raise their heads. They reassured themselves against Qatar (2-1) and made the break against Ecuador. Senegal is back in the round of 16 20 years after its first qualification. A victory dedicated to Pape Bouba Diop, who died on November 29. He had scored the first goal of the Senegalese national team in a World Cup phase. It was in 2002, in Seoul. During this World Cup, Aliou Cissé, current coach of Senegal, was the captain.
A "prudent tactic" of Kadri eliminates Tunisia, Wahbi Khazri retires.
Tunisia has signed a nice victory against France (1-0), the defending world champion. But an unfortunate success for the Eagles of Carthage. Since they are eliminated from the World Cup 2022. After a draw against Denmark, Tunisia falls before Australia (1-0). This defeat has undoubtedly deprived him of a qualification for the second round. The tactics too cautious of Jalel Kadri, are the main cause, believes the former capiataine of the selection Radhi Jaidi. "The way we managed the tournament was not good enough. In the first game against Denmark, if we pushed them a little higher and were more offensive, we could have won. Same thing for Australia. So, the conclusion for me is: it's a good win (against France) for morale but, again, we need to review and reflect on ourselves and then see how we can improve."
After this elimination, Wahbi Khazri decided to retire with Tunisia. Arrived in the selection in 2013, the 31-year-old striker has played five CAN and two World Cups with the Carthage Eagles. He is the second top scorer of the selection with 25 pions.
Ghana collapses against Uruguay, Otto Addo resigns
Ghana is the great African disappointment of this group phase. The Blacks Stars did not manage to qualify for the second round. The Ghanaians had however beaten South Korea after an opening defeat against Portugal (3-2). Against Uruguay, the Ghanaians missed their match against the teammates of Luis Suarez (2-0). Ghana fails to qualify for the second round for the second time in a row after 2014. Ghana has conceded at least two goals in its last matches in the World Cup. For this 22nd edition, Ghana is the African selection having conceded the most goals. The Black Stars have conceded seven.
In a press conference, Otto Addo announced his resignation. Appointed interim coach last February, Addo had his contract extended by the Ghana FA until the end of December. But Addo, who is also the assistant manager of Borussia Dortmund, leaves the bench of the Black Stars.
A prestigious victory and regrets for Cameroon
After a defeat against Switzerland (1-0) and a draw against Serbia (3-3), Cameroon had to win against Brazil to hope to play the second round. And Rigobert Song's men managed to beat the Seleção 1-0 thanks to Vincent Aboubakar. The 31-year-old striker delivered his team in the extra time (90+2) before being sent off. Cameroon becomes the first African country to beat Brazil. A success that unfortunately does not allow to qualify for the second round. The Indomitable Lions finish third in Group G of the World Cup 2022 with four points.
The five-time African champions have also lost their goalkeeper in their second game. Andre Onana was excluded from the group after a dispute with coach Rigobert Song.
