Hope for Africa after depressing start
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday June 24, 2014 17:16
Nigeria and Algeria raised the continent’s hopes by registering crucial victories, which takes them closer to qualifying for the last 16. Ghana went agonisingly close to registering a shock result, but let former champions Germany off the hook in a pulsating 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Both Nigeria and Algeria posted contrasting victories as the West Africans laboured in their fortuitous 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Eden Dzeko’s goal was wrongfully ruled out while at the other end, powerful striker, Emmanuel Emunike seemed to foul a Bosnian player before threading through a pass to Peter Odemingwe who scored the goal that made the difference.
The unconvincing Nigerians stay second behind Argentina and now need to avoid defeat against the South Americans to progress to the next stage.
On Sunday, Algeria was more assured as they mercilessly put South Korea to the sword and emerged deserved 4-2 winners. This is the highest scoring margin by an African country in World Cup history.
The victory puts the North Africans in a strong position to qualify for the second round.
They are second in their group behind the already qualified Belgium and like Nigerian need to avoid defeat in the last match against Russia to move to the last 16.
Ghana’s stay in Brazil hangs by a thread after they snatched a draw from the jaws of victory against Germany. In a match played at blistering pace on Saturday, the Black Stars led late on with an Asamoah Gyan goal but were pegged back by an equaliser from record equalling striker, Miroslav Klose.
The West Africans wasted two glorious breakaway opportunities, which should have sealed the game. Ghana has one point and now need to beat Portugal in the last game, while praying that USA loses to Germany.
Disgraced Cameroon are already out after losing two games in succession while Ivory Coast are still alive and victory over Greece today will send them through to the next round.
The fact that only Cameroon are out of the running is good news for the continent after a shaky start in which the only bright spot was Ivory Coast’s meritorious victory against Japan.