The World Cup Roars On As DStv Continues To Chachisha Mechi

World Cup continues in Qatar with Africans still having hopes in the five teams representing the continent. The five teams from Africa are Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameron, and Ghana.

With no shortage of talent in Africa – Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Michael Olunga to name but a few. Let us see how the five countries kicked off their 2022 world cup campaigns.

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands.

Senegal

The moment of truth for African reigning champions started on November 21, Senegal who look like the strongest bet to make the round of 16, and have qualified for the world cup three times, had to come to terms with the absence of star winger Sadio Mané and find new opportunities to keep advancing in the world cup competition.

The Lions of Teranga have a predominantly white kit, with the triple chevron theme carrying over elegantly from the chest to the collar, with Kalidou Koulibaly as the team captain and Aliou Cissé as head coach.

Senegal played the Netherlands on 21^st November, and the game was a  tie (0-0) by halftime, The confidence was there but Netherlands pressure during the second half got the better of the Lions of Terenga.  Late goals by Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over African champions Senegal.

Senegal displayed quality football and on November 25, they came to the pitch ready to win. We shine a ray of light on the bravery of the Lions of Teranga for becoming the first African country to be a winner at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after scoring a 1-3 score over the Qatar host team.

The goals came from Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng, who all played a part in securing the big win.

Ecuador vs Senegal kicks off November 29^th at 18:00

Group D

Tunisia

Tunisia has competed in the world cup finals six times and will be wearing a predominantly red jersey, featuring the graphic of ‘Armor of Hannibal’ on the front of the shirt. With a squad based around Europe Tunisia is looking to create something with Captain Youssef Msakni and Jalel Kadri as the head coach.

The stadium was filled with a lot of support for Tunisia, as it began its campaign at the world cup against Denmark, the Eagles of Carthage did press on and did have the ball in the net after as Issam Jebali, raced onto a long through ball. However, it was a disallowed goal because of offside. The game played out a 0-0 draw.

The Eagles of Carthage faced Australia on Saturday 26^th and lost 0-1, however, the lovable fans who traveled in huge numbers didn’t disappoint. They whistled, screamed, and kept the world cup spirit.

Tunisia did better in the second half but could not turn increased possession into clear chances, with no elimination yet, it doesn’t look good for the Eagles of Carthage, having one point from 2 games and yet to play France.

Tunisia vs Frances kicks off November 30^th at 18:00

Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia.

Morocco

Morocco is the first African team in history to reach that last eight back in 1986 and is looking to perform in Qatar. Captained by Romain Saïss and Walid Regragui as head coach. Morocco wears its traditional colors red and green for its jersey.

The opening match for Morocco was against Croatia on Wednesday 23^rd, with two injuries Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi, Morocco drew a 0-0 draw with Croatia. The Atlas Lions managed to go up against Croatia with the goalkeeper Yassine Bounou having spectacular saves.

A massive moment for the Atlas Lions who remained in the race and went head to head with Belgium on Sunday 27^th pulling off another shocker at the World Cup by beating Belgium 2-0. Goals from Substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri in the 73rd minute and Zakaria Aboukhlal at stoppage time gave Morocco a historical win.

A win or draw against already-eliminated Canada on the final day will see the Atlas Lions go through to the knockouts. Goal difference will come to play if they can win against Canada by a wide margin to overtake Croatia.

Canada vs Morocco on 1^st December.

Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon.

Cameroon

 The Strong Lions of Cameroon appeared for the eighth time in the competition, with a predominantly green with red and yellow trim jersey, Vincent Aboubakar as captain and Rigobert Song as their head coach.

Cameroon was drawn into Group G of the tournament, going against five-time champions Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia. Their first game against Switzerland was on Thursday, 24 November 2022 and this is how the roar went down.

Switzerland edged past Cameroon to secure a 1-0 victory with the only goal of the match being from Breel Embolo Cameroonian-born Swiss player who declines to celebrate against the country of birth.

Sportsmanship equal even in defeat saw coach Rigobert Song reserve a word of praise for Embolo, telling reporters at the Al Janoub Stadium: “We are still brothers at the end of the day.”

Cameroon vs Serbia kicks off on November 28^th at 13:00.

Watch the World Cup in HD

For football fans, catch all the live matches in HD via both the DStv and the GOtv. The action also comes with a Swahili commentary, bringing every detail of the action home, live as it happens.

DStv is showing all 64 matches and includes 4K broadcasts, customized language options, an array of supplementary programming, various catch-up options, top guests and analysts, and streaming choices. The giant has an embedded crew reporting from the heart of the action for the duration of the event.

Contribution by Wairimu Nyathira, Sports Journalist based in Nairobi