Africa's World Cup dream gathers momentum as knockout places beckon in closing group stage matches

With the FIFA World Cup group stage reaching its decisive conclusion this weekend, Morocco and South Africa have become the first African nations to secure their places in the Round of 32, providing a timely boost for the continent as the remaining representatives prepare for their final group-stage assignments.

Morocco booked their knockout place after an entertaining 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti, finishing second in Group C on seven points behind Brazil only on goal difference. South Africa meanwhile made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time after edging South Korea 1-0 to finish runners-up in Group A behind Mexico.

Attention now turns to the remaining African challengers, each with varying degrees of work still to do in pursuit of a place among the last 32.

 

Côte d'Ivoire v Curaçao | Thursday, 25 June

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

The Elephants head into their final Group E encounter knowing qualification remains firmly in their own hands.

A spirited 2-1 defeat to already-qualified Germany in their previous outing left the former African champions second in the group with everything still to play for.

A victory over Curaçao guarantees progression, while a draw should also be enough to secure qualification. Defeat, however, could prove costly if Ecuador manage a positive result against Germany.

  

Senegal v Iraq | Friday, 26 June

Kick-off: 19:00 GMT

After successive defeats to France and Norway, Senegal face a must-win clash against Iraq in Group I.

The Lions of Teranga remain capable of progressing, but only victory will keep their hopes alive, with qualification also likely to depend on results elsewhere and the final ranking of third-placed teams.

Having reached the knockout stages in Qatar four years ago, Senegal will be determined to keep Africa's challenge alive.

 

 

 

Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia | Saturday, 28 June

Kick-off: 00:00 GMT  

Cape Verde have been one of Africa's surprise packages, collecting impressive draws against Spain and Uruguay to leave qualification within touching distance heading into their final Group H fixture.

A victory over Saudi Arabia would all but secure a place in the Round of 32, while even a draw could prove sufficient depending on the final standings among the best third-placed teams.

The Blue Sharks are well on course to securing a historic FIFA World Cup knockout stage place on debut.

 

 

Egypt v Iran | Saturday, 27 June

Kick-off: 03:00 GMT

Egypt revived their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over New Zealand after opening with back-to-back draws against Belgium and Iran.

The Pharaohs now know another positive result against Iran could see them finish in the top two in Group G, while even a draw may leave them well placed in the race for one of the eight best third-placed positions.

 

 

Ghana v Croatia | Saturday, 27 June

Kick-off: 21:00 GMT

The Black Stars remain unbeaten after opening with victory over Panama before earning an impressive goalless draw against England.

That has left Ghana well positioned ahead of a decisive meeting with Croatia on Saturday.

 Victory would guarantee progression, while a draw could also prove enough depending on the outcome of England's clash with Panama and the final group standings.

 

 

DR Congo v Uzbekistan | Sunday, 28 June

Kick-off: 23:30 GMT

After holding Portugal to an encouraging draw in their opening match, the Leopards suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia that leaves qualification delicately balanced.

Victory over Uzbekistan is essential if DR Congo are to stand any realistic chance of progressing to the knockout rounds, either automatically or among the competition's best third-placed teams.

The Leopards are currently third in Group K with Colombia and Portugal occupying first and second place respectively.

 

Algeria v Austria | Sunday, 28 June

Kick-off: 03:00 GMT

Algeria recovered from defeat to Argentina by impressively overcoming Jordan 2-1 to revive their Group J campaign.

The North Africans now face Austria in what promises to be one of the group's decisive fixtures. Another victory would leave Algeria strongly placed to reach the Round of 32, while a draw could also keep their hopes alive depending on results elsewhere.

Africa's hopes of making a significant impact at the expanded FIFA World Cup remain very much alive. With Morocco and South Africa already safely through, the coming days will determine how many more of the Ten (10) African representatives join them in the Round of 32 as the race for global glory intensifies.