Is Africa Really Rising?
The Title is a bit confusing. Is Africa really rising? I hope it does in terms of its economy and political stability. The context, however, is football and the improvement the Continent has made with its performance in the ongoing World Cup.
FIFA Needs To Be Complimented
FIFA has to be commended for expanding the participating teams from 32 to 48. Africa had 9 slots to fill through direct qualification and one slot through a continental play-off.
A Strong African Challenge
Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cape Verde, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa and Ivory Coast won their Groups and qualified directly, while DR Congo beat Jamaica in extra time to make it to North America through the continental play-off.
Only Tunisia Missed The Knockouts
Of these 10 teams, nine of them made it to the knockouts, which, in my opinion, has been a massive achievement for Africa. Only Tunisia missed, unfortunately.
The Teams Fought Hard With Morocco & Egypt Making Further Inroads
Senegal snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Belgium, and Cape Verde, which had an incredible debut, almost pushed Argentina to the brink. DR Congo were brilliant against England, but let them off the hook. Ivory Coast fought hard against Norway while the Swiss were too good for Algeria. Ghana went down fighting to Colombia, and so did South Africa against Canada. But Morocco and Egypt marched further ahead.
The Pharaohs Missed By A Whisker
The Pharaohs were rejoicing in Alexandria and Cairo as Egypt took a 2-0 lead against Argentina. But the defending Champions killed the game in 13 minutes. Egypt made an honourable exit.
The Atlas Lions Went Down To A Rampant France
Morocco, the Atlas Lions, reached the Quarters but went down to a rampant France, to be the last from Africa to exit the World Cup. The Moroccans had carried the mantle of their continent with great pride.
An Abundance of Talent & European Experience Has Narrowed The Gap
Africa had staged an impressive showing, testimony to the fact that the gap between Africa and Europe had narrowed. With abundant talent and several players playing in the top European Leagues, improvement was bound to happen. Self-belief was probably the only attribute which let the Africans down when they really wanted it.
There is Great Hope For Africa & It Is Rising For Sure
I hope this performance from the Africans will have a positive impact on everything that touches African lives. Be it education, health, child care, employment generation and general well-being, Football and sport are bound to make a positive influence.
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