Egypt kept Africa’s FIFA World Cup dream alive with a historic victory over Australia, Cape Verde won the admiration of the football world despite a heartbreaking defeat to defending champions Argentina, while Ghana’s campaign came to an end after losing to Colombia in the Round of 32.
The Pharaohs became the first African side to secure a place in the Round of 16 on Friday after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following an enthralling 1-1 draw after extra time at Dallas Stadium.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead in the 13th minute, finishing confidently from Karim Hafez’s pinpoint delivery to score his second goal of the tournament.
Australia restored parity in the 55th minute when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net.
Both teams battled fiercely through regulation and extra time, with Egypt creating the better late opportunities, including Ramy Rabia’s stoppage-time header that was brilliantly saved by Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match was settled in a penalty shootout. Egypt converted four of their spot-kicks, including one by captain Mohamed Salah, while Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington failed from the spot.
Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly scored the winning penalty, sealing Egypt’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory and booking a historic place in the Round of 16, 92 years after the nation made its World Cup debut in 1934.
Cape Verde Win Hearts Despite Heroic Exit
Tournament debutants Cape Verde produced one of the finest performances by an African nation at the tournament despite suffering a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to reigning world champions Argentina.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Cape Verde responded through Deroy Duarte in the second half to force extra time.
Argentina regained the lead through Lisandro Martínez, but Cape Verde refused to surrender as Sidny Cabral produced a sensational curling effort to level the contest at 2-2.
Just when penalties seemed certain, an unfortunate own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute proved decisive, sending Argentina through to the Round of 16.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread praise for matching the defending champions throughout an unforgettable contest and exiting the tournament with enormous pride.
Ghana Bow Out Against Colombia
Ghana became the latest African nation to exit the competition after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute from Luis Suárez’s cross as Colombia dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match.
The Black Stars failed to register a single shot on target and managed only four on-target efforts throughout the entire tournament, highlighting their struggles in attack.
Colombia comfortably advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Switzerland.
Africa’s Hopes Rest on Egypt and Morocco
With Ghana’s elimination and Cape Verde’s courageous exit, only Egypt and Morocco remain in the race to become Africa’s first-ever FIFA World Cup champions.
Egypt’s reward for their historic triumph is a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday, while Morocco continue their own quest for more World Cup history.
Although Cape Verde’s remarkable debut campaign ended in heartbreak, the island nation leaves the tournament as one of its biggest success stories, having pushed the defending champions to the brink and earned the respect of football fans across the globe.
