FLASHBACK: Senegal vs France, Uruguay vs Ghana, and other memorable African World Cup moments

Senegal defeating Champions France It was a seismic event when Senegal, in their first ever World Cup match, shocked France 1-0 in the first match of Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup. Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goals for the Teranga Lions who announced themselves to the world in the biggest possible fashion. The star-studded defending […]

Senegal defeating Champions France

It was a seismic event when Senegal, in their first ever World Cup match, shocked France 1-0 in the first match of Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup. Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goals for the Teranga Lions who announced themselves to the world in the biggest possible fashion. The star-studded defending champions, France, met an equally determined Senegal that had on-form players El Hadji Diouf, Khalilou Fadiga, Alous Cisse, and the goalscorer, with goalkeeper Tony Sylva with a heroic performance in goal. Runo Metsu’s side eventually reached the quarter-final while France left the tournament at the group stage without scoring a goal.

Roger Milla’s dance routine

At 38 years old, Roger Milla was included in Cameroon’s squad for Italy 1990 World Cup at the request of President Paul Biya, and the veteran made good use of his substitute appearances to score four goals in Italy. In his first goal of the tournament, however, Milla did what no player had done before: dance. In an era where raised fists and hugs were gold standard celebrations, the veteran sprinted to the corner flag, and with one hand in the air with the other holding his waist, Milla twisted in a dance routine that took the world by surprise.

While Milla revealed his celebration was spontaneous, he continued to serenade the Italian crowd, and had his encore in the 1994 World Cup in USA. The oldest player to score at a World Cup pioneered a tradition players after him have continued, and his image is an enduring World Cup moment.

Ghana heartbreak

In the quarter-final at 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the continent almost had its first ever semi-finalist in Ghana, but a chain of events ensured the Black Stars’ shine was dimmed. First it was Luis Suarez and his infamous goal-line handball in the last minute to deny the Ghanaians an outright win, and then his red card and villainous celebration in the tunnel when Asamoah Gyan missed the last-minute penalty kick. Uruguay would win on penalties; Suarez remains one of the most hated persons in Ghana, while Gyan has continued to carry the event he labeled both a personal torment and permanent trauma everywhere.

Algeria eliminated by Germany and Austria in ‘Disgrace of Gijón’

The Desert Foxes of Algeria went into the Spain 1982 World Cup and claimed a shock 2-1 win over defending champions Germany in their first match. Despite losing to Austria 2-0 in the second group match, the North Africans defeated Chile 3-2 in their final match.

However, Germany was to face Austria in the other final group match to be played the following day. A Germany win by one or two goals would see both German-speaking nations through to the second round, and the scenario eventually happened with a 1-0 Germany victory secured in the 10th minute in Gijon. Both sides spent the rest of the match passively passing the ball around with little attacking intent. While FIFA could not punish either nation because no rule was broken, the aftermath led to the current rule of final group matches being played simultaneously.

Nigeria’s comeback win vs Spain

After putting on a rave tournament in USA 1994, the Super Eagles of Nigeria retained the team’s core, and added other exciting players from the victorious Atlanta 1996 winning team. Nigeria was expected to make a deep run into the knockout stages but had to navigate the opener against a strong Spain side with Raul Gonzalez in attack and Fernando Hierro in defence. The Spaniards took the lead on two occasions through the aforementioned players, but Nigeria responded both times through Mutiu Adepoju and Garba Lawal’s fortuitous goal. The final nail in the coffin for Spain was Sunday Oliseh’s thunderbolt from distance that left legendary goalkeeper Andoni Zubizareta with no chance and sealed the 3-2 win. Nigeria would reach the round of 16 where they were roundly beaten 4-1 by Denmark.