The World Cup is usually a European or Latin American domain. But in Qatar’s World Cup later this year, African teams have reason to believe that the usual order can be disrupted.
In this preview, we’ll have a look at what we can expect from Ghana, Tunisia, Cameroon, Morocco, and Senegal. While there will be a couple of first-round exits, the talent is there to believe in the QF or more.
What Do the Bookies Say?
If we’re to go by any sportsbook site, African teams do not stand a chance at the World Cup. According to the bet365 app, for instance, Senegal has the highest chance at 80/1. That put the country in the 12th spot on the betting markets, sharing it with Switzerland.
The other African contenders languish far behind, with Cameroon sitting at 200/1, Morocco at 250/1, Ghana at 250/1, and Tunisia at 350/1. The only other teams with lower chances are Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Costa Rica (all projected at 750/1 odds!).
But we all know that the bookmakers get it wrong all the time. Just look at Leicester winning the Premier League, one of the unlikeliest events in football history. Or Greece taking European glory in 2004. With Sadio Mane, Senegal isn’t a bad bet on any platform.
The Expert Opinions
While pundits often get things wildly wrong. Just look at Pele’s top 3 most ridiculous predictions: Colombia to win USA 94 (they didn’t even make it out of the group), Nick Barmby to become football royalty (although he was decent for England), and for Nii Lamptey to become his successor (who?).
Nevertheless, we can’t discuss Africa’s World Cup contenders without listening to what the talking heads have to say. ESPN’s experts have the most comprehensive prediction setup we’ve seen so far, using individual player ratings alongside team performances to predict results for all matches. In this section, let’s take a deep dive into their predictions (with a little sprinkle from other publications).
Ghana
For Ghana, things don’t look great. In their first match, they lose 2-0 to Portugal. With Cristiano Ronaldo still looking solid as he nears 40, don’t put your bets against him. The Portuguese also have plenty of young talent in their squad.
Perhaps more controversial, however, is the loss against South Korea in the second match; losing 1-0 to a side that’s anything but vintage, hmm. The third match will be crucial if Ghana manages anything against the Koreans, with Uruguay not the side of old (although Darwin Nunez looks quite the player). ESPN predicts a 2-2 and a flight home, however.
But predictions are not reality. At 250/1, putting a little punt on Ghana may not be a bad shout. With the country being known as a hotbed for sports betting, don’t think the odds will put Ghanain customers off putting their money on the Black Stars.
Cameroon
Of teams that have appeared in the last two World Cups, Cameroon shares the ‘honor’ of scoring the fewest goals per match (0.3, alongside Honduras). The pundits think this trend will continue, with a 1-0 loss predicted against the Swiss.
The next match brings a goal from the Cameroon side, but not a win: ESPN predicts a 1-2 disappointment against Serbia. And while Cameroon can still hope against the Serbs, the last match looks like a foregone conclusion. The pundits have been kind here, predicting ‘just’ a 1-2 loss against favorites Brazil. If Cameroon manages a win, it’s a bonus.
Morocco
Finally, a little bit of light. The Atlas Lions are predicted to hit the ground running, defeating 2018 finalists Croatia 2-1. Against Belgium, Morocco keeps the good days going, managing to snatch a 1-1 draw. The match against Canada sends the country to the next round, once again drawing 1-1.
In the round of 16, Morocco will play its final match in the World Cup (according to the experts, anyway). The team goes down 1-3 against Germany. The result is plausible, but we think Morocco may do even better than the predictions if a certain Chelsea player decides to come back to the fold.
Senegal
We’re ramping up. Senegal is probably Africa’s big hope for the 2022 World Cup, with a talented squad of players and a solid manager. And of course, we can’t forget Bayern Munich’s fresh new signing, Sadio Mane. ESPN predicts a 1-1 for the first match against the Dutch, but we think Senegal may take this one.
The second match is against the hosts, but unlike previous editions, Qatar will likely not be able to take advantage of being at home. Senegal will win this one by multiple goals. In the final match against Ecuador, a result won’t be needed. Don’t be surprised if it ends as a boring draw.
According to DW, this is the team Africans can put their money on. While ESPN predicts the team will crash out against England in the round of 16, DW thinks Senegal can go one round further.
Tunisia
The final African entry isn’t slated to do much in Qatar, and unfortunately, we can’t disagree. Against the talented Danes, expect a loss. But a draw will be necessary to advance. The match against Australia may be key, with the teams quite evenly matched.
For the last match, Tunisians will hope that France is already through and playing a B team. Nevertheless, a loss is the likeliest outcome. And a sad ending to Tunisia’s World Cup.
Will 2022 Break Records?
We left out one prediction Pele made: that Africa would win a World Cup by the turn of the last century. It hasn’t happened yet, of course, but there’s reason to be hopeful. The infrastructure is improving, a wider net to find talented diamonds in the rough, and African teams are increasingly putting up good performances.
Yes, none of the African teams will enter the World Cup as favorites. But as we already mentioned, the favorites rarely win. With talented sides like Morocco and Senegal featuring some of football’s best players, there’s no reason why we can’t hope for more in 2022.
