Which African Team Will Go Furthest?

A disappointing qualifying campaign that produced just one win from six matches ensured Ghana would not be taking part in this summer’s World Cup tournament in Russia.

As the Black Stars now turn their attention to Africa Cup of Nations qualification, which continues in September, five other African nations (Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia) have a World Cup to look forward to. But which nation will prevail as the continent’s leading representative?

Egypt

Egypt were the first African team to play at a World Cup and up until 1970, they were the only nation to have made it to the finals. In the subsequent 48 years, 12 African teams have featured at the event.

Egypt topped Ghana’s qualifying group, so Black Stars fans will be well aware of their quality. They won four, drew one and lost one during qualifying and finished four points clear of second-ranked Uganda. Their star player is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who scored two crucial goals against Congo to secure qualification. Other big name players included Ali Gabr and Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion) and Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal).

Nigeria

Nigeria have good World Cup pedigree having appeared in five tournaments including the last two. They were undefeated in qualifying and secured their place in Russia with a 1-0 victory over Zambia, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi scoring the crucial goal. They are currently second favourites with William Hill in the Top African Team betting market behind Senegal. The squad boasts plenty of talent including the aforementioned Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Jon Obi Mikel (Tianjin Teda) and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City).

Senegal

Despite having only featured at one previous World Cup final (Japan and South Korea in 2002), Senegal will start the 2018 tournament as favourites to be the Top African Team. On their previous appearance, they went all the way to the quarter-finals before losing to Turkey. Their Captain during that campaign, Aliou Cisse, is now Coach of the team. Key players include Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Mame Diouf (Stoke City), Cheik Kouyate (West Ham United), Mohamed Diame (Newcastle), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Omar Niasse (Everton) and Pape Souare (Crystal Palace).

Morocco

Morocco qualified from a group which included recent World Cup regulars Ivory Coast. The Atlas Lions will be competing for the first time since 1998 in what will be their fifth appearance overall. Their best ever performance came in 1986 when they escaped the Group Stages before falling in the second round. Sofiane Boufal of Premier League side Southampton is perhaps their highest profile player.

Tunisia

Nabil Maâloul’s men qualified undefeated in the qualifying campaign to reach their fifth World Cup finals and their first since 2006. Despite making it to five tournaments, Tunisia have only ever recorded one win and that came against Mexico in the 1978 edition in Argentina. Their star player is Youssef Msakni, who plays for Al-Duhail in the Qatari football league, the 27-year-old has scored 69 time in 102 appearances for the club and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Prediction

Of the five African teams, Senegal justify their status as favourites to go the furthest. They boast a wealth of talent who play at the highest level and that should be key in the high-pressure environment of the world’s biggest soccer tournament.