By Our Correspondent
African teams endured a mixed start to the FIFA World Cup after the completion of the first round of group matches, conceding 16 goals while scoring seven across 10 fixtures.
The opening round delivered contrasting fortunes for the continent’s representatives, with notable wins, hard-fought draws and heavy defeats shaping the early standings.
The biggest setback came for Tunisia, who suffered a 5–1 defeat to Sweden, while Senegal also fell 3–1 to France. South Africa were beaten 2–0 by Mexico, and Algeria lost 3–0 to Argentina in other disappointing results.
However, there were positive moments for African sides, as Ivory Coast secured a 1–0 win over Ecuador, while Ghana also recorded a narrow 1–0 victory against Panama.
Morocco earned a credible 1–1 draw against Brazil, Egypt held Belgium to the same scoreline, and Cape Verde frustrated Spain in a goalless draw. DR Congo also picked up a 1–1 draw against Portugal.
Overall, the 10 African teams registered two wins, three draws and five defeats, reflecting a mixed but competitive opening round for the continent.
Attention now turns quickly to the second round of group matches, with action already underway on Thursday as South Africa face Czechia in their next Group A fixture in a crucial encounter for their qualification hopes.
