Africa Football Discussion Thread || Current discussion: African teams at Qatar.

[Pokapoka124]

The super eagles team are a real disappointment when you watch them play and I can't figure out what seems to be the cause of these poor performances for the Super eagles. I knew it would be difficult for us to play Portugal even in friendly game and it turned out to prove me right as the match ended in 4 nil humiliating score line. I just wonder when we will begin to play nice football and competing for trophies.

[Ondekinecakabilirim]

It is certain that Sadio Mane will not be able to play in this tournament. This development was, of course, a big disappointment for Senegal and Mane. But they will go through the group phase. They are obviously the best African team at the World Cup. They will probably win the Africa Cup next year as well.

I agree with you on this. Sadio Mane was a very important football player for the Senegal national team. It is very sad for him and the Senegal national team that he will miss the tournament. But I believe the Senegal national team can fill his absence. Ismaila Sarr and Boulaye Dia performed well this year. In addition, the Senegal national team have star football players like Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr. They are definitely a strong team. They may be the best performing African team in the world cup. I believe that they will bring dynamism to the tournament.

[Ratash]

I think senegal and morroco are the ones showing promise right now they both did well this year and especially in their recent friendly games it seems that moroco group is more difficult with belgium and croatia so senegal chances are higher to reach the second phase but i expect moroco to show great performance and results too.

[Mate2237]

The super eagles team are a real disappointment when you watch them play and I can't figure out what seems to be the cause of these poor performances for the Super eagles. I knew it would be difficult for us to play Portugal even in friendly game and it turned out to prove me right as the match ended in 4 nil humiliating score line. I just wonder when we will begin to play nice football and competing for trophies.

From 2015, Super eagle in a total mess up. There is no way to even watch their match again. Look what happened yesterday, Portugal scored them 4-0 for what. That shows the unseriousness of the team. There is no good players in the Super Eagle football team again. With what I saw in that match, Nigeria Super Eagle can not even win AFCON cup. It is better Nigeria national team should not play football again until the management is restructured. There are very good players in the local teams that can be used in the Super Eagle but they are corrupt so they won't pick those boys to come and play.

[Zlantann]

I think senegal and morroco are the ones showing promise right now they both did well this year and especially in their recent friendly games it seems that moroco group is more difficult with belgium and croatia so senegal chances are higher to reach the second phase but i expect moroco to show great performance and results too.

Africa's performance in the world cup is always inconsistent because they don't have well established teams like thier European and American counterparts. Senegal is the hope of Africa for me in this world cup. I pray they would have a smooth run in the group stage so that Mane can be part of the team after recovering from injury. Morrocco don't have a formidable team like Senegal, but they can still pull some surprises because one cannot underate any world cup team. I am really expecting that this world cup would be different for African teams. It would not be bad to see an African team in the semi finals.

[Davidvictorson]

I agree with you on this. I don't think the African countries that will be playing in the world cup in Qatar have what it takes to make it to the knockout stage. We have Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal in the world cup but the African Champions are expected to go far this time if not because of the injury case of their hitman Sadio Mane who everyone believes would have been a strong force in the team of Senegal. Well, I guess we should be hopeful because football is not by big names the players in Tunisia and Ghana are good players and their groups are difficult but I believe they will shock the world because they will come out from their groups to the next stage.

In my opinion, the most intimidating African squad in the World Cup is Ghana. Knowing who you are up against makes scouting and planning for all the African teams quite simple. You have no idea what Ghana is like. Additionally, Senegal has the greatest chance of all the teams to advance. However, neither Cameroon, Morocco, nor Tunisia are likely to go past the group stage.

[Masplanc]

in this year's World Cup I personally do not have any expectation from African countries, this is not the right time for African countries because many of the African countries that are familiar to my hearing did not go to the World Cup. I don't know many of them except for Cameroon and Ghana.
The one African country that would have had a good chance of going far in the World Cup is Senegal because they are the champions of Africa but since their star man is no longer with them I don't know how far they can go

I agree with you on this. I don't think the African countries that will be playing in the world cup in Qatar have what it takes to make it to the knockout stage. We have Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal in the world cup but the African Champions are expected to go far this time if not because of the injury case of their hitman Sadio Mane who everyone believes would have been a strong force in the team of Senegal. Well, I guess we should be hopeful because football is not by big names the players in Tunisia and Ghana are good players and their groups are difficult but I believe they will shock the world because they will come out from their groups to the next stage.

Ghana players are better than the way they used to play.  Many people don't have confidence in Ghana because of their record of football in the past.  Ghana was underrated in the AFCON tournament,  Ghana surprised many people for the fact that they were able to qualify in the AFCON game. This time in the FIFA World Cup game  Ghana might break another record again.

[Slow death]

in this year's World Cup I personally do not have any expectation from African countries, this is not the right time for Africa countries because many of the African countries that are familiar to my hearing did not go to the World Cup. I don't know many of them except for Cameroon and Ghana.
The one African country that would have had good chances of going far in the World Cup is Senegal because they are the champions of Africa but since their star man is no longer with them I don't know how far they can go

senegal is not the only good team in africa, tunisia and morocco play very well and could even perform well but they have very strong opponents in their group too, that's why you shouldn't expect anything big from africa teams and fifa continues being unfair to Africa when it puts only 5 teams from the African continent even knowing that the African continent has many countries, I don't know what those damn fifa think when they only put 5 teams from Africa for the world cup, but the fact is that also in africa due to corruption the championships are weak and even deficient, for an african player to be able to play well he needs to go to play in europe

Ghana players are better than the way they used to play.  Many people don't have confidence in Ghana because of their record of football in the past.  Ghana was underrated in the AFCON tournament,  Ghana surprised many people for the fact that they were able to qualify in the AFCON game. This time in the FIFA World Cup game  Ghana might break another record again.

Ghana has always been a very strong team, when Mourinho was coach of Chelsea there were many good players from Ghana playing for Chelsea, the problem is that in Africa the teams are weak, the championships are very poor in all areas, the players win bad, this is big corruption and african governments do not take soccer seriously, as a result african players are not competitive at the european level, only the few african players that manage to play in europe teams can compete with europeans, but a there are 11 players in the team and they all need to be good players to have good results, it won't do any good to have 4 African players playing in europe in a team of 11 players, they didn't get far. senegal even if they had mane they would be eliminated soon

[snipie]

I agree with you on this. I don't think the African countries that will be playing in the world cup in Qatar have what it takes to make it to the knockout stage. We have Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal in the world cup but the African Champions are expected to go far this time if not because of the injury case of their hitman Sadio Mane who everyone believes would have been a strong force in the team of Senegal. Well, I guess we should be hopeful because football is not by big names the players in Tunisia and Ghana are good players and their groups are difficult but I believe they will shock the world because they will come out from their groups to the next stage.

In my opinion, the most intimidating African squad in the World Cup is Ghana. Knowing who you are up against makes scouting and planning for all the African teams quite simple. You have no idea what Ghana is like. Additionally, Senegal has the greatest chance of all the teams to advance. However, neither Cameroon, Morocco, nor Tunisia are likely to go past the group stage.

Senegal chances dropped after Sadio Mane injury and withdrawal from the list of players unfortunately. They were able to advance to the next stage but that doesn't mean they lost that possibility obviously but their chance was reduced.
Ghana could pass if they play good, their group is a bit harder than Senegal but easier than the other African teams. Tunisia won't pass, Cameroon isn't lucky and Morocco might get a chance.

[Davidvictorson]

Senegal chances dropped after Sadio Mane injury and withdrawal from the list of players unfortunately. They were able to advance to the next stage but that doesn't mean they lost that possibility obviously but their chance was reduced.

Mane doesn't make the team, he depends on his teammates to find the back of the net. Contrary to what other people may say, I don't think his absence is going to be such a big issue as long as they play as aggressively as a team, their odds will be higher. And they may be the second African team to reach the knockout stages after Ghana. Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Senegal chances dropped after Sadio Mane injury and withdrawal from the list of players unfortunately. They were able to advance to the next stage but that doesn't mean they lost that possibility obviously but their chance was reduced.

Mane doesn't make the team, he depends on his teammates to find the back of the net. Contrary to what other people may say, I don't think his absence is going to be such a big issue as long as they play as aggressively as a team, their odds will be higher. And they may be the second African team to reach the knockout stages after Ghana. Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Well things can be very hard for the Senegalese team, at one point they kept the hope that they could make it to the World Cup, the treatments, the herbs and everything that he applied did not work, this is something that greatly entertained the people from Senegal, I think that one of the things that will be missed the most is the way he scores goals, but Senegal also has to see this as an opportunity for a new leader to be born and the team to be shouldered, they have to put in context that African teams always come out with something very good and have great talent, and they are in the World Cup, this is something that makes the players grow a lot and believe it, they can give very good surprises, but everything It is in the minds of the players.

Senegal will miss Sadio Mane on their World Cup journey, but don't count them out

DOHA, Qatar -- Edouard Mendy has had to change his routine at the start of the World Cup.

It won't be Sadio Mane that he meets first for breakfast every morning during the World Cup in the Al Duhail Complex where the Senegal squad is staying during the tournament. The Chelsea goalkeeper and the Bayern Munich forward have their shared habits and little routines: before the African Cup of Nations that Senegal eventually won earlier this year, they even flew to national team duty together by private jet.

Like Mendy, every single player in the squad will miss Mane in one way or another. The younger players see him as an icon and a model, a different kind of relationship than the Bayern star has with Mendy or even Kalidou Koulibaly, who considers Mane as more of a brother. But the former Liverpool star always has a word and some time for all the players, regardless of their status or experience.

Source: https://www.espn.co.uk/football/fifa-world-cup/story/4807365/can-senegal-rally-without-sadio-mane-at-world-cup

[SatoPrincess]

in this year's World Cup I personally do not have any expectation from African countries, this is not the right time for African countries because many of the African countries that are familiar to my hearing did not go to the World Cup. I don't know many of them except for Cameroon and Ghana.
The one African country that would have had a good chance of going far in the World Cup is Senegal because they are the champions of Africa but since their star man is no longer with them I don't know how far they can go

I agree with you on this. I don't think the African countries that will be playing in the world cup in Qatar have what it takes to make it to the knockout stage. We have Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal in the world cup but the African Champions are expected to go far this time if not because of the injury case of their hitman Sadio Mane who everyone believes would have been a strong force in the team of Senegal. Well, I guess we should be hopeful because football is not by big names the players in Tunisia and Ghana are good players and their groups are difficult but I believe they will shock the world because they will come out from their groups to the next stage.

I think the farthest an African team have made it so far is the semi finals and since then no other African team has made it that far but I believe we still have an opportunity to make history. Senegal are the favorites from Africa to go far in this years world cup, they are the hope of Africa as things stand. We stand a chance of making history again in this world cup and I hope Senegal can repeat history in this years world cup.

[Gosgosking]

Senegal chances dropped after Sadio Mane injury and withdrawal from the list of players unfortunately. They were able to advance to the next stage but that doesn't mean they lost that possibility obviously but their chance was reduced.

Mane doesn't make the team, he depends on his teammates to find the back of the net. Contrary to what other people may say, I don't think his absence is going to be such a big issue as long as they play as aggressively as a team, their odds will be higher. And they may be the second African team to reach the knockout stages after Ghana. Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In every strong team their is this one particular person every player looks up top. That particular good particular give confidence of victory to other players. Mane absence can affect the mindset,  confidence of other players that look ups to him in the team

[trendcoin]

I have always had interest and sympathy for African teams. My favorite team for a while was Ivory Coast. I think the football player squads consisting of Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Didier Zokora, Arthur Boka and Yaya Toure were legendary. They were athletic, fast and physically very strong. I couldn't help saying it, at the same time their technical skills were really good. To be honest, they are not good enough to replace that generation today. That's why they are not in the World Cup, but I hope that one day they will be able to be in this tournament again.

In this World Cup, I guess Senegal will be more successful. That's why I will watch Senegal with a different eye. On the other hand, Ghana are in a very tough group, but if they manage to play brave football, they will also be able to win everyone's admiration.

By the way, I voted for Didier Drogba. I think he is one of the few forwards in the history of the world.

[Mate2237]

I have always had interest and sympathy for African teams. My favorite team for a while was Ivory Coast. I think the football player squads consisting of Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Didier Zokora, Arthur Boka and Yaya Toure were legendary. They were athletic, fast and physically very strong. I couldn't help saying it, at the same time their technical skills were really good. To be honest, they are not good enough to replace that generation today. That's why they are not in the World Cup, but I hope that one day they will be able to be in this tournament again.

In this World Cup, I guess Senegal will be more successful. That's why I will watch Senegal with a different eye. On the other hand, Ghana are in a very tough group, but if they manage to play brave football, they will also be able to win everyone's admiration.

By the way, I voted for Didier Drogba. I think he is one of the few forwards in the history of the world.

I really love African teams in a world Cup tournaments but they are not encouraging me to watch them again. As you mentioned the high skillful players in Ivory Coast, I also remember the ones in Nigeria in those days, players like Austin Jay-Jay O. Kanu W. etc, I don't think there are still skillful players that can replace these players in this new generation. Probably they might be but the corruption in the African football official is very high that might not bring the skillful players to come on board. Instead nepotism and favoritism is eating deeply into the sport ministries in the continent.

[Strongkored]

I really love African teams in a world Cup tournaments but they are not encouraging me to watch them again. As you mentioned the high skillful players in Ivory Coast, I also remember the ones in Nigeria in those days, players like Austin Jay-Jay O. Kanu W. etc, I don't think there are still skillful players that can replace these players in this new generation. Probably they might be but the corruption in the African football official is very high that might not bring the skillful players to come on board. Instead nepotism and favoritism is eating deeply into the sport ministries in the continent.

Well, we are on different sides until now teams from Africa are the team I'm waiting to watch apart from Europe and America at every World Cup, always waiting for what surprises they will give and that's what's fun when you see a surprise, very different from the team from Asia who did not do well in the World Cup except for South Korea.

[Masplanc]

I really love African teams in a world Cup tournaments but they are not encouraging me to watch them again. As you mentioned the high skillful players in Ivory Coast, I also remember the ones in Nigeria in those days, players like Austin Jay-Jay O. Kanu W. etc, I don't think there are still skillful players that can replace these players in this new generation. Probably they might be but the corruption in the African football official is very high that might not bring the skillful players to come on board. Instead nepotism and favoritism is eating deeply into the sport ministries in the continent.

Those days they get players by merit,  Real talent but this time it no longer like that. Most of the players we have is based on connections. Those days their were no much corruption that's is why every players playing those days are good.  The players we have now sometimes I do ask myself if it is the best we can get .

[trendcoin]

...

I really love African teams in a world Cup tournaments but they are not encouraging me to watch them again. As you mentioned the high skillful players in Ivory Coast, I also remember the ones in Nigeria in those days, players like Austin Jay-Jay O. Kanu W. etc, I don't think there are still skillful players that can replace these players in this new generation. Probably they might be but the corruption in the African football official is very high that might not bring the skillful players to come on board. Instead nepotism and favoritism is eating deeply into the sport ministries in the continent.

Oh, of course! Jay Jay Okocha, African Ronaldinho. Maybe Ronaldinho shaped his understanding of football by watching him, because these two star football players played together in Paris Saint-Germain FC at the same time. :) He has certainly been an inspiration for Ronaldinho. If we look at it from this angle, we may have to change the nomenclature. We can also say Ronaldinho, Brazilian Jay Jay Okocha. :) I was just trying to make a joke. Football is a universal game and has a structure open to international interaction. That's why I love football. :)

Also, Jay Jay Okocha played for Fenerbahçe in Türkiye for a period (before he transferred to PSG). He was a magician, an extraordinary talent, but when I look at African footballers, Essien's style attracts my attention. The typical African football player in my mind is strong, technical, fast footballers who play defensive midfielders; Essien, Kante, Zokora and others...

[snipie]

Senegal chances dropped after Sadio Mane injury and withdrawal from the list of players unfortunately. They were able to advance to the next stage but that doesn't mean they lost that possibility obviously but their chance was reduced.

Mane doesn't make the team, he depends on his teammates to find the back of the net. Contrary to what other people may say, I don't think his absence is going to be such a big issue as long as they play as aggressively as a team, their odds will be higher. And they may be the second African team to reach the knockout stages after Ghana. Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In every strong team their is this one particular person every player looks up top. That particular good particular give confidence of victory to other players. Mane absence can affect the mindset,  confidence of other players that look ups to him in the team

Indeed that what I was talking about. Look at Senegal now vs Netherlands, they are doing pretty much good but you feel that they are lacking a finish touch. Their attack line is doing its best but can do better and be more threatening. Even if we consider that Mane won't score, his presence will put more pressure on the defence line of the opponent and make his teammates play more comfortably.
Anyway I hope Senegal to get at least a point in this match.

Edit: Netherlands scored...

[Rruchi man]

Senegal will miss Sadio Mane on their World Cup journey, but don't count them out

Senegal really is not the same without Sadio Mane. I was expecting since he has been ruled out of the world cup due to his injury that another Senegalese will take it as an opportunity to show that they are capable to step up to the challenge of pushing attack. The Senegalese players kept going back anytime they got close to the dutch goal and couldn't take their chances, just too bad and poor football from our African champions. Mendy has just been bad and terrible since he became unreliable...no improvement from him and no confidence like before, he cost Senegal this game and should be disappointed in himself. I hope Cameroon don't play this kind of football.