Africa’s achievements in the FIFA World Cup over the years

Africa has produced some of the finest footballers the world has ever seen that includes names such as Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba and George Weah. However, African nations are yet to win or even reach the final of the FIFA World Cup.

Nonetheless, Qatar World Cup 2022 has marked the start of a new era in African football as Morocco becomes the first African nation in World Cup history to reach the semifinals. Not only is this a historical feat but it also indicates that the African teams can go head-to-head with the powerhouses of football; most of whom emerge from Europe and South America.

Here's a look at some of the most successful African sides in World Cup history:

Cameroon (1990)

The first African side to ever reach the quarter finals of the World Cup was the Indomitable Lions, whose campaign surprised many. Starting with a shocking 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina and then a 2-1 triumph over Romania to qualify for the Round of 16 where they emerged victorious over Colombia.  

Their inspiring run came to an end against England where the Three Lions beat Cameroon 3-2 in extra time. Roger Milla wrote his name in the history books by scoring a brace against both Romania and Colombia.

Senegal (2002)

Following Cameroon's fearless run of form, it was Senegal, otherwise known as the Lions of Teranga, who managed to reach the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.

Senegal beat the defending champions France 1-0 and then managed to secure a point against Denmark and Uruguay to qualify to the knockout stages where Senegal emerged victorious against Sweden thanks to a brace from Henri Camara.

Unfortunately, they were knocked out in the quarterfinals after a narrow defeat to Turkey by conceding a golden goal in extra time.

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Ghana (2010)

Ghana managed to reach the quarterfinals in the 2010 World Cup but their campaign will mostly be remembered for how they were knocked out.

After a win over Serbia and a draw against Australia in group stages, Ghana beat USA 2-1 with an extra time goal from Asamoah "Baby Jet" Gyan in the round of 16.

In the quarter finals, Ghana faced Uruguay. They could have wrapped up the game in extra time when they were awarded a penalty due to a handball from Luis Suarez. However, Asamoah Gyan failed to convert from the spot and Uruguay later won the game in a penalty shoot-out.

Morocco (2022)

Morocco's World Cup 2022 campaign might still be ongoing but they have already exceeded all expectations and become the most successful African side in World Cup history. The Atlas Lions' are soaring and has become the first nation from the African continent to reach the semifinals.

Morocco beat Belgium and Canada in the group stages with two stellar performances. They kept up their momentum and snatched a win against a formidable Spanish team in the round of 16 on penalties. Following their inspired form, they went on to beat Portugal.

The North African nation now awaits to face the reigning champions France in the semis and will hope they can defy all odds and become the first African team to reach the finals.

It has often been discussed how African immigrants played in European teams and won the World Cup but Africa always fell short. However, Morocco has now set a precedent that African teams can also do well in the biggest stage, especially if regional talents choose to represent their country of origin.

Tamjidul Hoque is slowly getting hopeful about Argentina this World Cup, tell him what you think will happen this time at: tamjidulh@gmail.com