Africa Celebrated as Four Continental Teams Compete in Group Stage Matches Today

Duro Ikhazuagbe

As you read this page, both Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia would have finished their early‑hour fixtures against Ecuador and Sweden respectively. The Ivorian Elephants, returning to the World Cup after a 12‑year hiatus, faced a tough Ecuador side in their opening Group E match at zero hour on Monday. To hold their own against former champions France and even win a pre‑World Cup warm‑up, the Elephants have shown they mean business in North America.

Against Ecuador, considered one of the tournament’s dark horses, the Elephants will find no easy prey. Finishing second in CONMEBOL shows they have what it takes at this level. They signaled their presence to Group opponents when they hammered Guatemala 3‑0 in their final warm‑up match before heading to the Mundial.

Elsewhere, Tunisia and Sweden should be wrapping up their fixtures by the time people are waking up to face commerce in Tunis. Tunisia’s preparations for a third successive World Cup appearance have been far from ideal. The Carthage Eagles lost both friendlies in June before heading to the Mundial. Against a better‑prepared Swedish side, Tunisia may be setting the stage for their eighth successive exit at the group stage. Sweden finished bottom of their UEFA Nations League qualification race but made up for it by beating Poland and Ukraine in March playoffs to reach the World Cup. With top players such as Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, Aston Villa’s Victor Lindelöf, Liverpool’s Anthony Isak, Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren, Leeds’ Gabriel Gudmundsson, Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson, and others, our Tunisian brothers will have their hands full this morning.

After the early‑morning fixtures, our Blue Sharks from Cape Verde will make their debut against one of the title‑hopeful teams, Spain’s La Roja, at 5 p.m. Nigerian time. The reigning European champions are hoping to emulate their 2010 performance in South Africa when they won the title. Since Spain lost only once to an African team at France ’98 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, La Roja will come out in full force against the debutants from Cape Verde. With Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Alex Baena, Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, and goalkeeper Unai Simón in top shape, it will be a baptism of a sort for Cape Verde.

The fourth African team on parade today is the Pharaohs of Egypt, who will engage Belgium in a bruising battle of wits. According to records, Egypt has never won a match at the World Cup since they first participated in 1934, but that may change today as the Pharaohs, inspired by Mohamed Salah, take on the Belgians who have struggled recently. Belgium’s golden generation has faded, and it is doubtful whether the new kids and a few seasoned veterans will make a difference. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku is the ace in the Belgian side, even with support from stars such as Kevin de Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana. The Pharaohs also parade Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and a host of others who could help secure their first win today.

Salah remains Egypt’s biggest attacking threat. His pace, movement, and ability to create moments of quality in one‑on‑one situations make him the focal point of the team’s counter‑attacking strategy. The Pharaohs will look to release Salah quickly whenever possession is won, especially in wide areas where Belgium’s full‑backs may be caught high up the pitch. Salah understands Thibaut Courtois’s weaknesses and will aim to capitalize on them. The midfield battle could ultimately decide the outcome. Belgium will aim to dominate possession and force Egypt into long periods without the ball. Egypt, however, will seek to disrupt Belgium’s rhythm through aggressive pressing at selected moments while maintaining a compact defensive block for most of the match. Set pieces could also prove decisive. Both teams possess aerial strength and quality delivery from dead‑ball situations, making corners and free kicks potential game‑changing moments in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.

With Iran and New Zealand also in the group, both nations will view this opening fixture as a golden opportunity to gain an early advantage in the race for a top‑two finish.

TODAY

Côte d’Ivoire 1‑0 Ecuador

Sweden v Tunisia

Spain v Cape Verde

Belgium v Egypt

S Arabia v Uruguay