It was beginning to look bleak for Africa’s representatives at the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil after some unimpressive starts. Second group games have been coming hard and fast as countries fiercely contend to make it to the second round. As reigning world champion Spain make a shocking and miserable exit from the FIFA mundial, African nations cannot afford to take the back seat even as the tournament enters the final stages of group encounters.
Algeria in Historical Hysteria
Algeria took its destiny in its hand as it rallied from its opening loss to Belgium, to shock South Korea in a six-goal thriller. It was the first win for the North Africans in 32 years which sent the nation into wild celebratory mood. This feat comes after the country scored a historical point with its first goal against Belgium in more than 20 years of its participation at the World Cup. This epochal phenomenon throws the nation back into contention for second place in Group H right behind the red devils of Belgium.
Mighty Black Stars Stand Firm
After conceding a late winner in their early meet against the jinxed USA, the Black Stars of Ghana were out to prove that they are no pushovers. Die Mannschaft of Germany learnt this important lesson when they took to the pitch in an entertaining matchup against Ghana. In the early exchanges of the game, the Ghanaians looked nervy and seemed to show too much regards for one of the world cup’s favourites. But they quickly settled into the game after but a few rattling from the Germans.
Coach Kwesi Appiah played his tactical cards well enough to guide the Black Stars in a highly contestable match with Die Nationaleif. Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and captain Asamoah Gyan, gave his team the lead to become Africa’s joint top scorer at the World Cup alongside Roger Milla of Cameroon with 5 goals; though the encounter climaxed with both sides sharing the spoils.
Ghana will look to inflict more damage on Portugal in the final group game after the European nation were beaten 4-0 and drew 2-2 by Germany and the USA, respectively.
Super Eagles Finally Soar
Osaze Odemwingie was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his 29th minute goal that earned Nigeria its first win at the world cup in 16 years and to secure victory over European nation and debutant, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The win also places Nigeria in pole position to finish the group in top two though pending the outcome of a tantalizing encounter with perennial World Cup rivals and tournament favourites, Argentina.
Shameless Cameroon in Early Exit
One of the talking points in relation to African representation has been on the behaviour of Cameroon. Self-implosion has cost the team more than an unsurprising exit from the tournament but a terrible hit to the image of the national team. Redemption is all that matters now; but how and who will lead in the path of this redemption, is left to be seen!