MBABANE – Last night’s FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, United States of America, delivered a series of truly tricky assignments for Africa’s representatives, setting the stage for a demanding campaign in 2026.
Morocco, 2022 semi-finalists, were met with an audible gasp as they landed in a blockbuster Group C alongside five-time winners Brazil—a 1998 rematch. While the Atlas Lions, who also face Scotland and Haiti, will back their quality, opening against the Seleção is a baptism of fire for Walid Regragui’s side.
Meanwhile, Senegal also secured a nostalgic, yet equally tough, clash against 2018 champions France in Group I. The Teranga Lions’ infamous 1-0 giant-slaying of the then-holders in the 2002 opener will be recalled, but with Norway and an intercontinental play-off winner also present, Pape Thiaw’s men face a severe test.
Returning 2010 hosts South Africa found little comfort in Group A, despite kicking off the tournament against Mexico—a repeat of the iconic 2010 opener launched by Siphiwe Tshabalala’s wonder goal. Bafana Bafana must also navigate South Korea and a European play-off winner (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland) to reach the knockout stages for the first time. Head Coach Hugo Broos’s resilient side will likely view their final match against South Korea as the key to progression.
Elsewhere, the path is equally arduous: African champions Côte d’Ivoire meet Germany and Ecuador; Ghana face European heavyweights England and Croatia; and Cape Verde’s maiden appearance is marked by a daunting group featuring Spain and Uruguay. Cape Verde were in the same qualifying group as Sihlangu.
The continent’s hopes for a new era of success on the global stage have been handed a tough hand.
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