The much awaited FIFA World Cup draw took place in DECC- Doha, Qatar on April 1.
With Afrikan giant, Nigeria and Egypt missing out, the continent is left with 5 representatives:
- Cameroon
- Tunisia
- Ghana
- Morocco, and current champions; Sadio Mane led
- Senegal.
The Five countries found themselves in Group A where Senegal is drawn with host, Qatar, Ecuador and the Netherlands.
In Group D, Tunisia will play current World Champions, France, Denmark and either Peru/Australia/UAE.
Group F have Morocco seeded against Belgium, Canada and Croatia.
In group G where Cameroon found themselves, they’re faced with record winners, Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia.
Ghana is in group H after ousting Nigeria on away goal rule to book a place last Tuesday.
In Qatar, they’ll battle it against archenemy, Uruguay, Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and South Korea.
Three slots are still up for grab in groups:
B where either Scotland, Wales or Ukraine would sit in.
D where Peru, Australia and UAE are looking to steal the show.
E where either Costa Rica or New Zealand would join the elites.
With England having to go head to head against the USA, Iran and either of these three: Wales, Scotland or Ukraine, it’s one of the groups to look out for as it appears more like a political showdown.
Ghana would have the opportunity to take revenge on their South America’s new found enemy when they face Uruguay. Recollect that Uruguay denied Afrika what could have been a historic moment when Luiz Suarez stopped a goal bound ball with his hand, earning himself a red card and a penalty for Ghana. A spot kick the then in form forward Asamoah Gyan skied away.
Had Suarez been a little less patriotic, Ghana could have seen themselves in the World Cup semi final of South Afrika 2010 in what would have been the first in history. Anyway, that’s gone and Ghana would have the opportunity to register their displeasure when they meet Suarez’s Uruguay in Qatar.
This group also appears to be the famous Groups of Death with Portugal and South Korea in the mix.
Spain and German with Japan and either Costa Rica or New Zealand is also a group to watch out for.
Leo Messi’s Argentina would miss Nigeria so badly this time around. They’ll have to make do with Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia in group C.
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon looks the group to watch. Especially with the Swiss having to clash again with their half brother; the Serbians. It’ll be another opportunity for them to renew their proxy battle fueled by age-old sectarian hatreds.
Brazil looks the favourites to top this group, but who can tell?
It’s hard to pick an overall favourite for the honour; all teams look beatable and deserving.
France though in excellent form, can’t be said to be what they were in Russia. Whereas this Germany under Hansi Flicks, though performing well, isn’t the Die Mannschaft of Germany 2018.
Spain looks to be in the process of rebuilding with loads of young talent and don’t exactly look like they’re ready to shock anybody. Argentina on the other hand aren’t doing badly and Brazil seems like they’re ready to become who they were once again.
Senegal has gift, cohesion and appears very determined, coming as the Champions of Afrika.
Ghana looks like they might dare to dream and was Italy going, one could say they have a fair chance too. At this rate, it’s risky to pick a favourite, unlike in 2010 when a lot people tipped Spain to do a madness, considering the talents they took to the tournament.
World Cup 2022 will take place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18. The 32 teams will compete for the glory, starting from a kickoff at the Al Thumama Stadium when Senegal takes on the Netherlands in Group A.
Enwerem Chukwuka
Is the author of Godfathers.
