Story by Anashe Murombedzi
AFRICAN interest in the FIFA World Cup remains strong, with Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal still chasing places in the Round of 32.
Following qualification by South Africa and Morocco, attention now shifts to Côte d’Ivoire, who face a decisive Group E encounter against Curaçao.
The Elephants must secure victory to keep their World Cup campaign alive and finally break their group-stage curse. Despite qualifying for the tournament in 2006, 2010 and 2014, Côte d’Ivoire have never progressed beyond the first round.
Coached by Emerse Faé, the West Africans begin the match second in Group E on three points, behind leaders Germany. Curaçao are bottom of the group with one point but have shown enough in their opening two matches to suggest they could pose a threat.
Senegal also remain in contention, although their path to the knockout stage is considerably more difficult.
The Lions of Teranga are yet to register a point in Group I but still have a mathematical chance of advancing as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
To keep those hopes alive, Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group match on Friday and rely on favourable results elsewhere.
Elsewhere, Group F action continues on Friday with Japan taking on Sweden at Dallas Stadium in Texas. Tunisia face group leaders Netherlands, who require a positive result to confirm their place in the knockout rounds.
In Group D, Türkiye meet the United States in a crucial contest. The Americans have already secured top spot in the group on the head-to-head rule, while Türkiye need victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.
At the same time, Paraguay face Australia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara before Norway take on France in another key fixture.
