Four of Africa’s ten nations have played their opening matches, and the continent finds itself with one win, one draw and two defeats in a mixed set of results.
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
Morocco are the standout performers so far. The 2022 semi-finalists held five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in New York, confirming their place among the tournament’s genuine contenders.
Ismael Saibari gave the Atlas Lions a deserved lead in the 21st minute with a stunning first World Cup goal, assisted by Brahim Diaz, before Vinicius Junior equalised on 32 minutes.
Morocco sit third in Group C on one point and goal difference of zero, but their performance was the most impressive of any African nation in round one.
Achraf Hakimi’s side take-on Scotland in round two.
Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
Ivory Coast showed defensive resilience and attacking quality to claim all three points in Group E. RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande was a constant menace throughout, regularly beating Ecuador’s defence and creating danger down the flanks.
Ecuador struck the bar twice in the first half before Wilfried Singo’s rampaging run set up Amad Diallo to sidefoot home a 90th-minute winner.
The 2024 African champions sit second in Group E on three points and goal difference of plus one, well placed to reach the knockout phase for the first time.
They face the tournament’s top scorers Germany, who put seven past Curacao in the next round.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
South Africa’s situation is difficult but not insurmountable. Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, finishing with nine men after red cards for Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane.
Ronwen Williams made some excellent saves and Mbekezeli Mbokazi was solid in defence before the numerical disadvantage became too great.
They sit bottom of Group A on zero points with minus two goal difference and go up against Czech Republic on Thursday.
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Tunisia face the steepest climb of any African nation. A 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in Monterrey left them rooted to the bottom of Group F with minus four goal difference.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi has reportedly been dismissed and fighting allegedly broke out in the camp after the match.
They will look to bounce back against Japan on the 20th of June.
Picture: X/@BafanaBafana
Read more: Soccermag
