The World Cup in Russia is certainly not the best tournament for African teams. Five of them started in the competition, but none managed to reach the Last 16. Actually it is for the first time since 1982 that all African teams have been eliminated after the group phase.

Could they do better? Some of them, yes. In particular, Senegal, who have overall left a good impression in Russia. The Lions of Teranga deserved to progress from the group, and it is particularly frustrating for them to finish behind Japan only because they have more yellow cards. On the other hand, giving preference to teams with the better discipline is anyway better that using a draw, so that could be a lesson for Senegal - fair play can bring results…

Nigeria also did pretty well and were close to qualification, but Marcos Rojo’s late goal saw Argentina progressing at the expense of the Super Eagles. In 2014, the Nigerians managed to reach the Last 16, but now Lady Luck turned away from them. 

Morocco, who played their first World Cup since 1998, boasted the best defense in the African qualifying, but it was obviously more difficult for them in the finals. However, four conceded goals in three games is not a bad result, given that they had to play against Spain and Portugal. Lions of the Atlas fought hard against the heavyweights, and lost just 0:1 to Portugal before splitting the points with Spain. However, they finished last in their group.

Tunisia beat Panama in their final group match, but it was just a consolation win as the Maghreb team had lost two previous games. They were somewhat unlucky against England, as Harry Kane scored the winner in the injury time, but then Tunisia came up short against Belgium in an extremely entertaining match.

Of all African teams, Egypt left the worst impression, as they lost all their three matches. Mohamed Salah did not fully recover from his injury and missed the opening match with Uruguay, and although Liverpool striker scored two games in two remaining games, he did not show his best performance, and he had not enough support from his teammates. So the first Egypt appearance after the World Cup turned into a disappointment.

However, despite poor performance in Russia, there is hardly a crisis in the African football. The continent has enough national teams who did not reach the World Cup finals, but would have a chance to be competitive in Russia - remember Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria ot Ivory Coast. Africa continue to generate lots of football talents, and in 2022, the result will probably be better. Now many of the Africal teams were simply not lucky enough.