Mixed fortunes for Africa’s World Cup-bound teams News

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Mixed fortunes for Africa’s World Cup-bound teams

By Daily Sports on March 28, 2018

Four of Africa’s five World Cup-bound teams replicated their results in last weekend's friendly fixtures on Tuesday as their mixed preparations for this summer's showpiece in Russia continue.

Tunisia and Morocco built on their victories last week with triumphs over Costa Rica and Uzbekistan respectively, while Senegal were again held – drawing 0-0 with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Egypt would have been desperate to bounce back from their late 2-1 defeat by Portugal with a victory, but were beaten 1-0 by Greece in a result that ought to come as a concern for Hector Cuper as the World Cup looms.

Tunisia saw off Iran 1-0 last week when Wahbi Khazri’s footwork and quick thinking forged a decisive opening in the Asian heavyweights’ defence.

It was a similar story on Tuesday in Nice, as the Stade Rennais attacker made it two wins out of two for the Carthage Eagles when he netted the only goal of the game against Costa Rica.

The 27-year-old was arguably lucky to still be on the pitch after kicking out at Kendall Waston during an ill-tempered encounter, but settled the contest from close range in the 36th minute after a fortunate rebound off the goalkeeper.

Morocco can also look back on a promising international break after making it two wins out of two, serving a reminder that they will represent stiff competition for Spain and Portugal in Group B.

After a somewhat fortune victory over Serbia last week, they cruised past Uzbekistan 2-0 in a convincing display in Casablanca.

Ayoub El Kaabi, the hero of the victorious African Nations Championship campaign, repaid Herve Renard’s faith with a third-minute goal, before Manuel da Costa added a second before the break.

This was an encouraging showing from a largely second-string Morocco side, with their French coach facing some tricky decisions regarding squad selection between now and June.

In Switzerland, Egypt will have taken many positives from their narrow 2-1 defeat by a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Poland on Friday, but will have been disappointed with their inability to trouble a Greek side who were comfortably outclassed by Croatia in their UEFA World Cup playoff.

Nikolaos Karelis netted the winner in the 30th minute, as Egypt again demonstrated how limited they are without Mohamed Salah.

Finally, it’s been a troubled international break for Senegal, who have lost both Idrissa Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyate to injury and illness, adding to the absence of Kara Mbodji due to a long-standing knee problem.

Keita Balde also missed out as Senegal delivered a disjointed display in a low-key contest in Bosnia, being held to a 0-0 draw. (ESPN)

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 28, 2018