Egypt with Russia, Tunisia face tough test & more: African teams at the World Cup

With the World Cup draws done and dusted in Moscow, Yahoo Sport UK, takes a look at the groups the five African teams have been drawn in and how they can expect to fare when the quadrennial event kicks off next summer.

1. Egypt

This is Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 1990 and Hector Cúper’s side have been handed a rather benevolent draw in what, on paper, is the most open group at next year’s tournament. There is no obvious favourite in a group also containing hosts Russia, Uruguay and a Saudi Arabia side making its first appearance since 2002. Russia are the weakest hosts in recent memory, perhaps even weaker than South Africa at the 2010 edition and their group stage elimination at the Confederations Cup earlier this year suggests they will not be pulling up any trees when the competition gets underway. Saudi Arabia are relatively unknown and could be the whipping boys while Uruguay, despite the presence of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, are not the force of old they used to be but are still the strongest in the group. Egypt will be relying on the continued brilliance of Mohammed Salah to lead them through as well as Mohammed Elneny and Abdallah Said in midfield. The goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary is set to be the oldest player at the World Cup aged 45 and Cuper will count on his team being defensively solid – only once (in 30 games) have the Pharaohs conceded more than one goal under Cúper.

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2. Morocco

Morocco, on their return to the World Cup after a painful exit in 1998, have been drawn into a tough-looking group with Spain, Portugal and Iran. The obvious favourites are a rejuvenated Spain side seeking to right the wrongs of their previous outing in Brazil, while a Portugal team led by Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. Iran are the dark horses but were the first Asian side to qualify and did so with 12 consecutive clean sheets. They cannot be discounted. Morocco, for their part, will hope Herve Renard’s tactical nous on the African continent will translate to the world stage. The Atlas Lions qualified ahead of Cote d’Ivoire in their qualifying group with 11 goals scored and none conceded in six games. Like all of Renard’s sides Morocco are resolute at the back, and in so doing, have little flair going forward despite the presence of some truly exciting players. The experience of Mehdi Benatia and Karim El Ahmadi should provide a crucial platform for the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Younes Belhanda and the mercurial Sofiane Boufal to strut their stuff upfront. It promises to be a tough group and Morocco will need a lot to go their way to stand a chance of making it through to the Round of 16.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria’s third consecutive appearance at a World Cup finals will see them take on Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in what should be a dogfight between three teams to decide who finishes in second place behind Argentina. Remarkably, Nigeria and Argentina are facing each other for the third consecutive group stage game (and the fifth in six World Cup appearances for Nigeria overall) after meeting in South Africa and Brazil, and with a 4-2 friendly win for Nigeria over their opponents in Krasnodar in November, both of these teams could be sick of the sight of each other when the World Cup rolls around next summer. Gernot Rohr’s side have improved considerably over the last year, with a functional 4-3-3 working a treat and Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi playing pivotal roles. John Obi Mikel leads the team from central midfield with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi doing the hard work behind him. The Super Eagles have a problem in goal with Carl Ikeme undergoing cancer treatment and the duo of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi not convincing enough. Vincent Enyeama could still be persuaded into a return and a striker to compete with Odion Ighalo would be ideal. Nigeria can take solace from the fact Iceland are first-timers at the World Cup and could suffer from stage fright despite their recent achievements. Croatia had a difficult time in qualifying and have struggled to be better than the sum of their parts despite having some talented individual within their ranks.

4. Tunisia

Tunisia make a return after a 12-year absence and will face Belgium, England and Panama in Group G. Nabil Maâloul led the Carthage Eagles to Russia after taking over from Henryk Kasperczak in April, deploying a 4-2-3-1. Tunisia are quite an attacking side with full-backs encouraged to join the attack at will. Hamdi Nagguez is an important part of the system at right back as is Ali Maâloul on the opposite flank. The creative burden usually falls on Wahbi Khazri who is enjoying life at Rennes in Ligue 1 after a torrid time at Sunderland and could have a point prove in the opening game against England in Volgograd. Yet Tunisia will have their hands full with Belgium and England favourites to advance and any hopes the north African side has of qualifying surely depends on beating debutants Panama to at least stand a chance.

5. Senegal

Senegal shocked the world at the 2002 World Cup when they defeated holders France in the opener and then went on to surprise everyone by making it to the quarterfinals. The Terranga Lions have been absent on the world stage since then but that all changes next summer when a Sadio Mane-inspired side play Poland, Colombia and Japan in a straightforward group H with no outright favourites. Led by Aliou Cisse, captain of the 2002 vintage, Senegal have a team chock full of attacking talent and they play a 4-3-3, although West Ham’s Diafra Sakho played alongside Mane in a 4-4-2 in a recent qualifier against South Africa. Throw in Keita Baldé of Monaco and M’Baye Niang, and there’s significant depth in attack. Cheikhou Kouyate leads the team as captain and midfield talisman and will be hopeful of guiding his team beyond the first round next year in Russia. Senegal will be hoping Mane remains fit to lead his team in the same way El Hadji Diouf did 16 years ago.