2018 World Cup: The five Ambassadors from Africa and their chances
The five nations to fly the flag of Africa at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia are Egypt, Morroco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia.
After the draws, bookmakers predict tough time for Morocco and Nigeria who will be facing teams generally considered as tough.
The adverseries notwithstanding, the five teams from the continet are amongst those on which the continent can count on.
1)Teranga Lions of Senegal.
Senegal makes a second appearance in the FIFA World cup after a relatively good show at the Korea/ Japan 2002 expedition .
They have been drawn in Group H along side Columbia, Japan, Poland.
Key Players
-In the team are players like Winger Sadio Mane who had an impressive season with his club Liverpool, a club that qualified for the UEFA Champions League Finals pitting Real Madrid.
The Liverpool attacker’s high tactical performance will be focal point for his team.
-Napoli’s defender Kalidou Koulibaly is the man to marshall the defensive line as he has been doing in his club in the Serie A.
-West Ham defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate’s stability, leadership position and confidence is a plus for the Senegal team.
2) The Pharoahs of Egypt
They are seven time Africa Cup of Nation champions.
Egypt goes to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years of absence.
The team will play alongside host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Key players
-Liverpool Mohamed Salah: he scored five goals in the World Cup qualification round including the penalty that gave the team a winning ticket. His 2017/2018 goal scoring ratio is definitely going to send fears to the opposing side.
–Mohammed Elneny was very instrumental in qualifying his team for the World Cup.
3)The Atlas Lions of Morrocco.
Morocco comes back to the football jamboree after 20 years of absence.
The will rely on young and exciting players to cause major difference at the competition.
The Egyptian team is paired in Group B alongside Iran Spain and Portugal.
Key players
-Versatile player Nabil Dirar of Fenerbahce is viewed amongst the lead attackers.
Fans expect him to stay in the top hope form witnessed during his Ligue 1 match with Monaco.
-Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech who returned to National team has the ability to form a long range of playing style in favour of his team.
–Younes Belhanda is amongst those with top form as displayed at Ligue 1 side Montpelier.
4) Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Was the first African team to qualify for the World cup.
The super eagles will be making a 5th appearance in the competition.
They will feature in the same group with former World Champion Argentina, Croatia and debutant Iceland.
Key players
Former Chelsea Man John Obi Mikel will captain the side. Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses are some of the players to provide crucial stability in attack.
5) Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
The North African team returns 12 years after. It is the team’s fifth participation in a world cup competition. They have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, England and Panama.
Key players
–Youssef Msakni of Al Duhail and Naïm Sliti Lille in Ligue 1 form a strong foundation on which the team can rest.
Benly Anchunda