A Roundup of African Teams at the 2018 World Cup
There are five teams representing the African continent in World Cup 2018.
Egypt in Group A with Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Morocco in Group B with Spain, Portugal, and Iran.
Nigeria in Group D with Argentina, Iceland, and Croatia.
Tunisia in Group G with Belgium, Panama, and England.
And finally, Senegal, inGroup H, with Poland, Colombia, and Japan.
Here’s a breakdown of the 23-man squads of each team.
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Egypt:
Facts:
- First World Cup since 1990
- In 1934 they became the first African country to go to a World Cup,
- With 7 African Nation titles, they are the most successful team
Players to watch:
- Mohamed Salah: As he goes, so does Egypt. He scored 44 goals in his first season for Liverpool and has guided Egypt to their first World Cup since 1990.
- Mohamed Elneny: The Arsenal player is combative and plays with his heart, he will be crucial for Egypt
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Mahmoud Hassan aka Trézéguet: A spark is always needed and Trézéguet provides one
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Morocco:
Facts:
- First World Cup since 1998
- Won 1976 African Nations Cup, their only one
- Their manager is Hervé Renard, the first coach to win two Africa Cup of Nations with different countries
Player(s) to watch:
- Amine Harit & Hakim Ziyech
- Two young talents born in the Diaspora. They will be the creative spark for the Moroccan team.
- Nigeria:
Facts:
- Most consistent African country to qualify for the World Cup. Only missed one (2006) since 1994
- Won three African Nations Cup
- First major international tournament since 2014, missed last two African Nations Cup
- 18 new players from 2014 World Cup
Players to watch:
- Alex Iwobi, John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Moses
- All of these players are the spark that Nigeria needs to get to the next round
- Facing Croatia first is going to be a challenge for the Super Eagles
- Tunisia:
Facts:
- First World Cup since 2006
- Won their first and only African Nations Cup in 2004
- Nabil Maâloul is a former player and manager this is his second stint with Tunisia
Players to watch:
- Wahbi Khazri
- Their captain and creative outlet, where he goes, they go
- Saif-Eddine Khaoui
- Another creative hub for the Tunisians
- Senegal:
Facts:
- First World Cup since they bursted onto the scene in 2002
- Their captain in 2002 is now their manager, Aliou Cissé
- Never have won the Nations Cup
Players to watch:
- Sadio Mane
- The Liverpool winger is one of the best in the world at his position
- Keita Balde
- The Monaco man is devastating when he is on, creating a tandem with Sadio Mane
- Kalidou Koulibaly
- One of the best young defenders in the world, he will be their rock
- Cheikhou Kouyaté
- Their captain and an important part of their midfield
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