EDITOR – AFRICA’s big five, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire have, between them, accrued a meagre four points in total following one victory, one draw and three defeats.
Of the quintet, only the Cote d’Ivoire managed a victory against Japan.
Algeria may have impressed against Belgium, but they were unable to preserve their one-goal advantage and ended up losing 2-1.
Nigeria managed a goalless draw against the Melli of Iran.
The hopes of Cameroon of reaching the second round have been shattered after a crushing 4-0 loss to Croatia and a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.
Now the most asked question is will an African team make it to the round of 16?
I strongly feel Africa has in it to reach the quarter finals.
African teams need to be disciplined if they want to reach the round of 16.
Remember in 1990, Cameroon were the darlings of the World Cup.
In 2002 Senegal were the surprise package at an otherwise predictable World Cup.
Then in 2010 Ghana had one of the most impressive runs for an African team in World Cup history and were on the brink of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
Surely if African teams believe in themselves, they will make great strides in Brazil.

Tongoona
Masasa Park
Harare