Africa sport: Towards the revival of continental football?

Leveling of levels or emergence of African football? This double question certainly has the answer “both at the same time”. Indeed, for more than a year the continent has never ceased to amaze on the football level with revealing historic victories to the detriment of the leading nations in terms of football. Far from being a chimera from the American film « Black panther », Brazil, a reference country in football, has just experienced in less than a year three setbacks against African teams which previously had a real Indian sign in their confrontation against a selecao who was believed to be invincible in Africa. After Cameroon at the 2022 World Cup, it was the turn of Morocco and Senegal to offer themselves the great Brazil counting for friendly matches of course, but which demonstrate a real leveling of levels in terms of numbers and engagement in the field. Added to this is the very first semi-final of an African team at a World Cup through Morocco’s heroic journey to Qatar in December 2022.

Moreover, if we were content in the past on the continent with a few rare historic victories such as those of June 8, 1990 which saw Cameroon beat Argentina, reigning world champion or the victory of Algeria against Germany West on June 16, 1982 to fall by the triumph of Senegal against France also reigning world champion at the time on May 31, 2002, it is clear that African internationals are more and more uninhibited by playing in the biggest clubs at the same level as the best players in the world. This factor probably explains this renewed confidence that drives our national teams, a situation that should inspire the continent to promote and showcase its talents on its own soil by multiplying clubs of the size of Al Ahly, Mamelody Sundowns or even the RAJA Casablanca. All things that would ensure better results in world club competitions but also in the more attractive and publicized championships. In any case, many countries are part of this dynamic, notably Morocco, which is acquiring hyper-sophisticated sports infrastructures, Mali, Guinea and Senegal, which are working to promote academic centers that produce talent.

We just have to hope that this revival of football on our continent can continue its ascent to materialize in a great victory in the World Cup final.

Seydou Diakite

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