Africa's last hope, Senegal look to lift gloom

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday June 19, 2018 14:49

 

Africa's four other representatives have dished the usual disappointment, with Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia all falling to narrow defeats in their opening matches.

First it was the Pharaohs who saw their valiant display unlocked right at the death by an underwhelming Uruguay in a 1-0 defeat on Friday.

The Moroccans went down fighting against lowly Iran and like Egypt, conceded in the dying minutes.

Nigeria were up against a star-studded Croatia and laboured for larger periods before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat, while Tunisia thought they had a point sewn up against 1966 champions, England, only to fall to a very late Harry Kane sucker punch in a 2-1 loss on Monday night.

Tunisia scored the first, and only goal for Africa thus far, in what has been an extremely poor start.

All African teams, appear content with sitting back and putting more men behind the ball, with very little initiative going forward. Their defensive play indicates their willingness to play for draws, rather than a win, despite all the African teams having previous experience at the World Cup.

Their lack of adventure has seen most fans turn their back on the African representatives, in a World Cup that has belonged to the minnows up to this stage.

At 5pm today, Africa will hope for a change in fortunes as the Lions of Teranga look to roar against an average Poland side.

Liverpool's Sadio Mane will be key for the 2002 World Cup quarter finalists, while the Polish's hopes hinge on Robert Lewandoski of Bayern Munich.

 

Today's fixtures 

Group H

Colombia vs Japan 2pm

Poland vs Senegal 5pm

 

Group A

Russia vs Egypt 8pm