Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
AFRICA’S historic FIFA World Cup campaign continues to gather momentum, with debutants Cabo Verde and continental heavyweights Senegal becoming the latest nations to seal places in the Round of 32.
Debutants Cabo Verde have added another remarkable chapter to their fairytale run after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw, a result that confirmed their qualification for the Round of 32 in their maiden World Cup appearance.
The result, coupled with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, saw the island nation finish second in Group H after drawing all three of their group matches.
Their reward is a glamour showdown against defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Miami on July 3.
Senegal also kept Africa’s momentum alive after producing a ruthless 5-nil victory over Iraq in their final Group G encounter.
The emphatic win boosted the Lions of Teranga’s goal difference and secured qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Africa now has seven nations through to the knockout stage, with Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana all securing places in the last 32.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will be hoping to become the eighth African nation in the knockout rounds when they face Uzbekistan in a must-win encounter.
Algeria also has a chance to qualify if they get past Austria or at least secure a draw.
Elsewhere, England and Portugal will be looking to finish the group stage strongly on Saturday as the remaining places in the Round of 32 are decided, while Ghana, who have already qualified, wrap up their group campaign against Croatia in the early hours of Sunday morning.
