The last three of the five African teams at the Qatar 2022 World Cup have played their first group matches. They had mixed fortunes with the exception of Morocco who held out against Luka Modric’s great Croatia.

On Wednesday 23 November, the Atlas Lions of Morocco faced Croatia. Throughout the match, both sides had a high level of pressure with huge opportunities. None of the attempts were successful. The two teams played out a goalless draw.

Cameroon defeated by Switzerland

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who are in Group G, crossed swords with Switzerland on Thursday 24 November. The first part of the game was well balanced on both sides. In the 48th minute of the second half, the young Swiss prodigy Breel Embolo opened the score. The match ended with this one goal.
Ironically, Breel Embolo is a Cameroonian born in Yaoundé. A lack of respect towards the country of his ancestors?

Ghana unconvincing but difficult to beat

In Group H, Ghana played their first match against Portugal on Thursday 24 November. Against Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, the Black stars of Ghana, led by André Ayew, conceded two goals to three. The first goal came in the 65th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty.

In the 73rd minute, André Ayew put Ghana back in front. But only 5 minutes later, the Portuguese João Félix scored the second goal. Two minutes later, Portugal’s third goal came from Rafael Leão.

And it was finally in the 89th minute that Ghanaian Bukari was able to reduce the score by scoring the second goal for his team.

Overview of African teams in five outings

In five matches, the African teams have lost 3, drawn 2, scored 2 and conceded 6 goals.

For the second day of the group stages, Senegal will compete with Qatar this Friday 25 November at 14h00. An opponent that must be beaten at all costs to give themselves a glimmer of hope.

Senegal were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands on Monday 21 November 2022.