Africa’s five representatives at the 2022 FIFA World Cup may have had a slow start to the global showpiece in Qatar, but it seems that things are looking up following the conclusion of the second round of games. Pro Philani discusses Mother Africa’s progression in the tournament so far.
Cameroon fight back to draw with Sebia in thriller
Following Morocco’s impressive 2-0 win over Belgium on Sunday, African teams seem to have discovered their form and are gradually rising from their slow start to the World Cup.
First, it was the super-sub Vincent Aboubaker who inspired Cameroon to come from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 and salvage a point against Serbia in their second match of Group G at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Prior to the match, there were several media reports of a brawl in the Cameroon camp involving head coach Rigobert Song and goalkeeper Andrea Onana regarding the positional play of the latter, who has subsequently left the camp.
Cameroon looked to have been in complete disarray as they were 2-1 down at the half-time interval. The Serbians continued to turn the screw they tore the Cameroon defence into pieces before netting their third through Fulham forward, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
But not even VAR could stop the Cameroon comeback as it began 10 minutes into the second half when Aboubaker pulled one back in the 63rd minute to make it 3-2.
Three minutes later, it was that man again. Aboubaker, this time breaking the offside line to get through on goal but unselfishly laid it for strike partner Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who made no mistake and slotted home.
The draw result may not have been the desired result for the West African country, but it certainly keeps their hopes of qualifying for the next round very much alive.
They currently sit in third position with one point thanks to a better goal difference compared to Serbia, who are lying on the bottom of the mini group.
One of the best goals from Africa (Cameroon)in this World Cup pic.twitter.com/JXX0uJtLXj
— ⚪️❤️street hustler @k (@Humblek84441171) November 28, 2022
Ghana hold their nerve to beat Republic of Korea
Ghana shrugged off their 3-2 defeat suffered at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to beat the Korean Republic by the same 3-2 scoreline in an action-packed Group H encounter. The Black Stars looked destined to secure all three points and went into the halftime break with a two-goal advantage, thanks to strikes from Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus.
A lapse in concentration from Otto Addo’s men allowed Gue-sung Cho to net a brace in a space of three minutes. Cho pulled one back in the 58th minute before scoring an equaliser three minutes later to give swing the momentum in favour of the Koreans.
In their 3-2 loss to Portugal on Thursday, the Ghanaians also conceded two quick goals in the space of two minutes – proving that concentration at the back is a worrying factor for the Black Stars.
Fortunately for the Black Stars, they would go on to retake the lead. Mohammed Kudus got on the end of a low cross from Crystal Palace man, Jordan Ayew and made it 3-2.
Ghana had to hang on until the end to claim their first World Cup victory since 2010.
Their first win in Qatar secured only the Continent’s second win in the competition and one which moves them within reach before their final Group match against their 2010 nemesis – Uruguay.
One of the best goals from Africa (Cameroon)in this World Cup pic.twitter.com/JXX0uJtLXj
— ⚪️❤️street hustler @k (@Humblek84441171) November 28, 2022
