The 2018 Fifa World Cup final draw has been held and Africa has been handed what could be described a fair draw.
The Russia tournament will see Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia representing the African interest from June 14 to July 15, 2018.
This is who the five African nations will be facing in Russia:
- NIGERIA drawn in Group D with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia
- SENEGAL drawn in Group H with Colombia, Poland and Japan
- MOROCCO drawn in Group B with Portugal, Spain and Iran
- EGYPT drawn in Group A with Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia
- TUNISIA drawn in Group G with England, Belgium and Panama.
It’s a great draw for Egypt especially finishing with Saudi Arabia in their last game.
The Pharaohs meet the two lowest ranked sides in the tournament so they must have high hopes of winning their first ever match at a World Cup – at their third finals.
For Morocco, it’s a tough draw and hard to see the Atlas Lions progressing.
Iran are one of Asia’s strongest sides, then its Cristiano Ronaldo and European champion Portugal and 2010 World Cup winners Spain in final game. So it’s a tough group for them.
Nigeria have a fascinating group. Croatia – one of Europe’s most talented sides – then Iceland, who are tough to beat despite their size. And finally Lionel Messi and Argentina.
The Super Eagles have – incredibly – played Argentina at four of their five Word Cups already. They have never avoided defeat.
It is also interesting for Senegal. The Lions of Teranga will fancy their chances against Poland, one of the weakest top sides, a Japan side that often under delivers at the finals and Colombia in their last game. It’s a wide open group.
It is hard to see Tunisia progressing. They are not one of Africa’s strongest sides and often disappoint at the World Cup where they have not won a match since their very first game at the finals in 1978 against Mexico.
They meet a talented Belgium side, an England team growing in belief and Panama – in their final game, which is the only positive since if Tunisia are still in the group by then, the Carthage Eagles just have to beat Panama to go through – and they will fancy their chances.
Info culled from BBC
