Africa now knows its faith at the World cup as they now know the 5 African countries that are going to raise the flag of Africa high at the World cup come next year.5 of Africa's best nations namely Ghana,Ivory Coast,Nigeria,Cameroon and Algeria have all booked their places in Brazil.It seem as a repeat of the 2010 World cup in South Africa as these 5 nations were the same teams that represented Africa 4 years ago at the World stage with exception of South Africa who were the host.
However,the question still remain unabated as most football loving fans ask which African country will make an impact at the World cup this time around.With Africa failing to ever make a semi final appearance,the farthest Africa has gone is to get to the quarter finals with only three nations claiming this glory,thus Cameroon,Senegal( who did not make it this time around) and Ghana.No African nation have made it past the quarters.
IVORY COAST:Ranked number one in Africa and 17th in the World,the Elephants can boast of some of the finest players on the African continent with the like of Didier Drogba,Yaya Toure,Yao Gervinho etc.Apart from Egypt,Ivory coast was one of the unbeaten side during the group stages of the qualifiers.An incredible 5 wins and a draw earning them 16 points in all.They will be trying to make an impact this time around as most of their experienced players are nearing their retiring ages.The Ivorians however will be making their 3rd successive appearance at the World Cup.
NIGERIA:Current African Champions.It seems the blending of young and the experience players is woring for Stephen Keshi.Less did one expect the green eagles to win the African cup of nations for the 3rd time.However, they took the whole of Africa by storm when they won the 2013 African cup of nations in South Africa.But it seemed the inexperience of their young squad was exposed at the 2013 Confederation cup in Brazil with the poor performance they put up.Nigeria has never qualified from the group stages and will be hoping to do so in their 5th Appearance at the Mundial.
CAMEROON: The Indomitable Lions took the World by storm when they became the first African country to make it to the quarter finals at the World cup in 1990.The World will never forget the excellent display of legend Roger Mila,with his famous goal and dance against Argentina at the round of 16,which eventually ensured they got the quarter finals.Although things have not gone too well for them in recent time,they still remain one of the best on the African continent as they have won the AFCON 4 times.They were also runners up at the 2003 Confederations cup.They however hold the most African team appearance at the World Cup with 7 appearances.Under the leadership and inspiration of captain Samuel Eto'o,the indomitable lions will be hoping to take the world by storm once again.
GHANA:Nick named the black stars.Ranked number 2 in Africa and 23rd in the World.Was the highest scoring team in the qualifiers with 25 goals,Ghana remain the second best team in Africa after the Ivory Coast.The black stars have really made an impact the World cup their previous two appearances.First in 2006 when they were the only African country to have made it to the round of 16 only to loss to Almighty Brazil.Then in 2010 when it took the hands of Uruguay's Luis Suarez to deny them of being the first African country to reach the semis.Ghana over the years have been bounded with great young talents.The black stars with a third successive world cup will once again see to it that they exhibit another magic at the mundial.
ALGERIA:Being the last African team to book their place at the world cup at the expense of Burkina Faso,the Algerians remain the only North African side to have made it to the world cup in Brazil.They also have failed to make it past the group stages and will be hoping they do that for the first time.Was not that impressive four years ago in South Africa but well groomed North African side are very poised to excel at the World stage this time.
Lets all hope and pray our African countries make Africa proud once again.Even if it takes an African nation to win the trophy for the first time.
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