Egypt’s penalty shootout win over Australia carried real historical weight. The Pharaohs became only the fifth African nation to win a World Cup knockout match, joining an elite group. Here are the five sides who have carried the continent past that barrier.
Cameroon, 1990
The Indomitable Lions started it all in Italy. Inspired by the veteran Roger Milla, Cameroon stunned holders Argentina in the opener, then beat Colombia in the last 16. They pushed England all the way in the quarter-finals before losing 3-2 in extra time, the furthest any African side had then gone.
Senegal, 2002
Senegal announced themselves on debut in style. They famously beat reigning champions France in their first game, then edged Sweden in the round of 16. A golden-goal defeat to Turkey ended their run in the quarter-finals, but the Lions of Teranga had captured the world’s imagination.
Ghana, 2010
The Black Stars came agonisingly close in South Africa. Ghana beat the United States in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, becoming the third African side to do so. Only Luis Suarez’s infamous handball and a missed penalty denied them a semi-final place against Uruguay.
Morocco, 2022 and 2026
The Atlas Lions rewrote the story in Qatar. Morocco beat Spain on penalties and then Portugal to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, finishing fourth. They have carried that momentum into 2026, once again winning a shootout, this time against the Netherlands.
Egypt, 2026
Now the Pharaohs have joined the club. Mohamed Salah dispatched a cool Panenka in the shootout win over Australia, sealing Egypt’s first knockout victory since their 1934 debut. It also marked the first time two African nations have won a knockout tie in a single edition.
Egypt now face Argentina in the last 16, with Salah and Messi set for a mouthwatering duel.
Read more – Hossam Hassan dedicates Egypt’s World Cup win to Palestine
Also see – Egypt Make World Cup History with Penalty Win Over Australia
Follow Footy Times on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover more from Footy Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.