At the current FIFA World Cup in Qatar, just two African nations—Senegal and Morocco—have already qualified for the knockout stage. And Ghana, who just needs a win or draw in today’s match against Uruguay, might very well join them.
Otto Addo, the coach of Ghana, also thinks that Africa should be given more than five slots at the World Cup in order for them to compete fairly with Europeans.
In the press conference ahead of their match against Uruguay, Addo said that compared to Europe, where countries vie for 13 spots, the five World Cup berths for a continent where 54 nations participate in qualifying were unfair.
“It’s very difficult for us, the probability for us to proceed is lower than the other nations like in Europe, they have 13 spots and so the probability is much higher,” he said.
The Ghanaian coach also congratulated Senegal on reaching the tournament’s last 16 and said his team is inspired by their achievements.
“I am happy for our African brothers to qualify, it’s surely an inspiration for us.”
Senegal was joined yesterday by Morocco, who qualified for the tournament’s last 16 after finishing as group winners ahead of Croatia, Belgium, and Canada.
African nations managed to earn a combined total of 21 points from the group stage for the first time at the World Cup, the greatest total ever achieved by the continent’s representatives.
When they play Uruguay in their final group game today, the Black Stars must win or draw to advance to the last 16.
