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Over the years, South American and European nations have dominated the World Cup finals, leaving the African continent to feed on scraps. The quarter-finals are the furthest any African nation has managed to go, which has happened just thrice in total.
Ghana managed to do it last in 2010 and the five participants this time will have high hopes of emulating that. Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia will represent their continent in Russia, hoping to exceed the mellow expectations.
Europe will be represented by a staggering 14 teams, and the Americas will have eight teams entering the tournament. In spite of the underwhelming participation from Africa, there has been no dearth of African stars.
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The African contingent this time as well is not short of stars as the likes of Mohamed Salah will take the field in Russia. Even if regulars like Cameroon and Ghana have not qualified, there are notable names aplenty who will represent their continent.
On that note, here is the combined African XI at the World Cup in Russia.
Goalkeeper - Yassine Bounou
Bounou has impressed with Girona over the past two years as the Spanish club gained promotion and then finished a respectable 10th in the La Liga. The Morocco international has failed to find his feet with his national side but his coach will be swayed by recent performances.
Last season he made more than three saves per match for Girona, a respectable number. He has made just 5 appearances for Morocco as of now but that is sure to change and hopefully in Russia itself.
Morocco is drawn in Group B alongside Portugal, Spain, and Iran. It promises to be a tough draw due to the two heavyweights but Bounou can hope his side can progress to the knockout stage which will be an achievement in itself.
Centre-backs - Kalidou Koulibaly and Mehdi Benatia
A host of African defenders are coming off impressive seasons and these two were definitely among them.
Koulibaly was brilliant for Napoli as his side almost won the league title, falling short at the very end. The Senegalese's burly physique and passing ability have marked him as one of the best defenders in Europe. He will provide a boost for Senegal as they hope to make it to the knockout stage from a tough group.
His partner should be Medhi Benatia, who impressed in Italy with Juventus. The Morocco international had a successful campaign, winning the league and cup double. His experience will come in handy for Morocco who will be making just their fifth appearance at the World Cup finals.
Full-backs - Ahmed Elmohamady and Hamza Mendyl
Elmohamady has been in the Egypt side for quite some time, racking up 74 appearances in the process. The right-back has been a consistent performer, as Aston Villa found out this season. His defensive solidity coupled with his crossing ability cements his spot on this list.
Mendyl is in many ways the opposite of Elmohamady as he is a young raw talent hoping to make it on the big stage. The Morocco international is just 20 and has played for Lille in France last season. He has already made 6 appearances for his country, a number that he will hope to increase in Russia.
Midfielders - Alex Iwobi, Idrissa Gueye, and Cheikhou Kouyate
These three individuals are tireless players who can dominate the midfield and spur their team forward.
Iwobi, the Arsenal man has impressed for Nigeria lately and he is a bright young prospect. He is an industrious player who does not lack at all in the creativity department. Blessed with sound vision and passing abilities, he can impact a game in the final third, as he showed in the recent friendly against England.
Gueye is a more defensive player, but he excels at his job. A tireless runner, the Senegalese is masterful at making tackles and interceptions and wresting possession back from the opponents. He is crucial for his club Everton and his country will need him to perform to reach the knockout stages.
West Ham man Kouyate is a hybrid of Iwobi and Gueye, contributing in both the departments. His towering physique and strength make him a tough obstacle for any attacker to beat. He will be captaining his country Senegal in Russia and promises to form a formidable duo with the aforementioned Gueye.
Forwards - Mohamed Salah, Odion Ighalo, and Sadio Mane
Mohamed Salah does not need an introduction, does he? Easily the most popular man on this list, the Egyptian has taken Europe by storm this season. His tally of 44 goals for Liverpool last season was bettered by only Barcelona's Lionel Messi with 45. Salah's season ended in tears in the Champions League final but he will have a chance to erase that memory at the World Cup.
Ighalo is by far the least popular part of this trio but he is a crucial player for his country Nigeria. His move to China has not affected his goal tally, which bodes well for his nation. Hold up play and finishing are two of his strongest attributes, which could prove to be deadly if Salah and Mane somehow do line up with him.
Mane is like Salah in many ways; pacy, skillful and a nightmare for defenders. He also enjoyed a stellar season, especially in the Champions League as Liverpool made it to the final. Senegal will be hoping that he continues that form in Russia as he will headline their attack.
Which African team do you think will progress the furthest in the World Cup this time? Tell us in the comments below!
