After a disappointing opening day, the African representatives were expected in the second round to rebel. They have, to the delight and surprise of the continent, except for Tunisia, which was surprised by Australia (1-0), and Cameroon, which returned an unexpected draw against Serbia. They have also raised their game to meet two of the main challenges they were given to win the round of 16.
If Ghana had won the first point, it would have done so against Portugal (3-2-1).TimeDay group H), Senegal gave him a recipe for the second challenge. He was the winner in Qatar (3-1, group B), the first African team to be successful in this 22.eedition of the World Cup. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium (2-0, Group F) and imitated the Teranga Lions. The Ghanaians did not fare any worse. To give the continent a third victory, the Black Stars defeated South Korea (3-2 Group H).
This second day of the group stage offers many lessons beyond the long-awaited victories for African representatives.
Africa is finally on the offensive
Senegal (Tunia, Morocco and Cameroon): None of these four African selections were able to score on the opening day of the group stage. The second day saw African representatives be much more ambitious offensively, thanks to Ghana, who had scored the first two African goals in the World Cup. They were able this time to find the fault on 11 occasions. There were three goals for Senegal and Cameroon and Ghana respectively, but also two successes for Morocco. This is nine more than the number of goals scored on the first day.
The awakening of Edouard Mendy, Senegal
After a poor performance against the Netherlands (2-0), Edouard Mendy performed admirably against Qatar. The Chelsea Blues goalkeeper put in a tremendous performance against the host country, allowing Senegal to win the match with three points. The former Rennais has been under criticism since the beginning. However, he is now feeling a little better ahead of the crucial clash against Ecuador on Tuesday 29 November at 4 p.m. GMT.
Sadness Tunisia
A promising performance against Denmark, followed by a collapse against Australia. Tunisia was undoubtedly the African team that disappointed most on the second day of the group stage. The Carthage Eagles couldn’t repeat their impressive match against Australia on the second day. They are forced to defeat France, the reigning champion of the world, on the last day to try to reach the round 16.
Hakim Ziyech and Walid Regragui are the X Factors of Morocco
Although no one gave their skin in the poolof death (F), Morocco is now one point away from qualifying for round 16. The Atlas Lions won a valuable draw point against Croatia (vice-world champion), before taking down the Red Devils from Belgium (2-0). Two men are particularly responsible for this third victory in the final stage of a World Cup Morocco: coach Walid Regragui, and Chelsea Blues winger Hakim Zyech.
Since his arrival last August, the former has brought great stability and confidence to his team. He also managed to make decisive changes in this match and gave his team great confidence. The second, who was extremely restless on his left side, did a lot damage to the opponent. He is also the one who offered Zakaria Aboukhlal cake.
Cameroon: A controversy and an unexpected draw
Beaten by Switzerland (11-0, 1).TimeCameroon had to react against Serbia Monday and Cameroon did not approach this match in the greatest of serenity. For good reason: the unexpected departure of André Onana from La Tanière. After a dispute over Rigobert Song’s coaching, Inter Milan’s doorman would have decided to leave the team. Devis Epassy took care of the Indomitable Lions’ cages in his absence. But the doorman of Abha (Saudi Arabia) was not as reassuring as André Onana. Cameroon can consider themselves lucky to have gotten a point against Serbia.
Ghana can say thank you to … Kudus
After Senegal and Morocco, Ghana was the third African winner in the 2022 World Cup. The Black StarsIn a thrilling match, the South Koreans were defeated. They can thank Mohammed Kudus. To give his side victory, the 22-year-old striker scored two goals. Kudus was also very active in this match. Ghana can count upon him for their meeting with Uruguay in the final in Group H.
Source: sportnewsafrica