For the first time since 1982, there is no African nation in the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, two African nations (Nigeria and Algeria) had made it through the group stages, but a number of sides have greatly underperformed this time out.
Egypt finished bottom of Group A without a point to their name, Morocco finished bottom of Group B with only one point, Nigeria finished third in Group D with three points, Tunisia finished third in Group G with three points and Senegal finished third in Group H on four points - five nations all bowing out at the group stage.
No team from Africa has advanced beyond the quarter-finals at a World Cup, but there was hope before the tournament that Egypt and Nigeria could enjoy a deep run. Egypt had Mohamed Salah, but he wasn’t fully fit and they suffered as a result.
Uruguay topped Egypt’s group and are 9/5 to win against Portugal in 90 minutes in Saturday’s last-16 clash. Russia finished second and are 11/2 to win against Spain in Sunday’s meeting.
Sign up for an account with 138 Ghana to receive a 100% welcome bonus on your first deposit. 138 Ghana covers all the major sporting events across the world, offering great odds and excellent in-play betting opportunities.
Nigeria were expected to do better, boasting a side that contained Wilfred Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, John Obi Mikel and Kelechi Iheanacho, but they were drawn in a difficult group with Croatia and Argentina finishing first and second respectively.
Croatia are 5/6 to win against Denmark in their last-16 clash on Sunday, while Argentina are 12/5 to win against France.
While Nigeria and Tunisia came close by getting three points in their respective group, Senegal perhaps had the toughest elimination to swallow. Aliou Cissé’s men were level on points with second-placed Japan in Group H, losing out on the fairplay rule for having more yellow cards. Japan are now 8/1 to win against Belgium on Monday.
The 2018 World Cup has been a big disappointment for African sides after so much hope in the build-up, but now the focus is now to qualify for Qatar in 2022 and put right the wrong of this tournament.
Sign up for an account with 138 Ghana to receive a 100% welcome bonus on your first deposit. 138 Ghana covers all the major sporting events across the world, offering great odds and excellent in-play betting opportunities.