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Memorable matchday two for African teams at World Cup in Qatar

It was a memorable matchday two for African teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar as four nations collected points and scored goals except for one.

African nations scored an impressive 11 goals in five matches on matchday two in Qatar.

The decent results and displays give the African continent a glimpse of hope to qualify for the round of 16. The world is yet to witness more than two African teams progress to the knockout stages of the global showpiece.

FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at how the five African teams performed on matchday two and their chances of qualifying to the round of 16 in Qatar.

MOROCCO

Morocco celebrating a goal at the 2020 Qatar FIFA World Cup
Morocco celebrating a goal at the 2020 Qatar FIFA World Cup

Morocco pulled one of the World Cup shockers on Sunday. They defeated one of the title favourites Belgium, two nil, thanks to goals by skipper Romain Saiss and substitute Zakaria Aboukhlal.

The superb victory took the Atlas Lions to second place on Group F standings with four points.

The North Africans stand a chance of making it to the round of 16. They only need a draw in their last match against Canada.

GHANA

The Black Stars of Ghana in a celebratory mood after beating South Korea
The Black Stars of Ghana in a celebratory mood after beating South Korea

The Black Stars defeated South Korea 3-2 in a five goal thriller on Monday. Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring before Mohammed Kudus scored a brace.

The win saw them climb to second on Group H with three points.

For Ghana to make it to the knockout stages, they must avoid defeat against Uruguay in a repeat of 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal tie.

SENEGAL

Senegal stars celebrating after beating Qatar
Senegal stars celebrating after beating Qatar

The Lions of Teranga kept their hopes of making it to last 16 alive when they defeated hosts, Qatar 3-1 on Friday. Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng got on the score sheet.

Senegal’s fate of qualifying for the next round of the competition is in their hands. They must defeat Ecuador in their last group match.

CAMEROON

The Indomitable Lions’ journey in the World Cup may have ended already following a three all draw against Serbia on Monday. Jean-Charles Castelletto, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Choupo-Moting found the back of the net.

Cameroon have only one point with a game to play. To seal qualification to the round of 16, they must defeat Brazil and hope Serbia and Switzerland play out to a draw.

TUNISA

The Carthage Eagles are also on the verge of being knocked out of the competition. They are last in Group D after a draw and a defeat.

For Tunisia to qualify, they have a mountain to climb like Cameroon. They must defeat World champions France with more than two goals and hope Australia and Denmark play out to a goalless draw.

RELATED STORY: How hosting another FIFA World Cup can benefit Africa

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